For decades, the name of the Kadamapuzha family – an ancient Catholic family that migrated to Kanjirapally from Nilakel 12 generations ago – has become synonymous with the region. This is primarily because of the Kadamapuzha Hospital, started by Dr. K.E. Eapen, a 10th generation illustrious son of the Kadamapuzha family. He was a great visionary and missionary.
Dr. K.E. Eapen, after having completed his MBBS from Madras Medical College in 1936, underwent further training in Trivandrum. Though he had the opportunity to go abroad for higher studies, he instead took to charitable work. His decision was the need of the hour, because it was a time when many diseases like Malaria, Smallpox and Tuberculosis were rampant in the state. In 1938, Dr. Eapen risked starting a small dispensary at a building owned by Mr Jacob Thomas Karipaparambil in Kurisinkal, Kanjirapally. With his medical acumen, humility and magnanimity, the dispensary grew into the famous Kadamapuzha Hospital. Through his efforts, the name of the Kadamapuzha family became the prestige and pride of the region. He was also one of the architects of the present Kanjirapally.
When Dr. Eapen started his hospital, there was only one existing government hospital at Kunnumbhagum, four kilometres from Kanjirapally. Thus, the Kadamapuzha hospital proved to be a blessing for people living in the high ranges and in the remote regions of Pathanamthitta district as well. Dr. Eapen’s name and fame spread far and wide, with people flocking to his hospital for his healing touch. Nicknamed Eapachan doctor, he was even considered to be an incarnation of the Divine Healer.
In a short while, Eapachan doctor’s dogged determination established his hospital as a leader in the medical sector. The unprecedented influx of patients called for more amenities and infrastructure. To develop the hospital, he bought the plot of land adjacent to the hospital and built many multistoried buildings there. He started IP, OP, Operating Theatre, more wards and beds, I.C.U, scanning, Gynecology and doctors’ quarters. Thus, the cherished dream of Eapachan doctor come true. He always remained uncompromising in his honesty, which led to a deal with the Adoration and Charity Congregation for providing dedicated nuns to manage the departments. He also made it a point to visit each inpatient in the wards every day.
Today, Eapachan doctor’s hospital is the best-known landmark in Kanjirapally. To the people of Kanjirapally and nearby places, Kadamapuzha hospital is a home from home. The serene surroundings and dedicated doctors and nurses make one immediately feel at ease.
But on July 18, 1995, our loving Eapachan doctor left us for the firmament to remain there as a bright star showering his heavenly blessing upon us. However, he proved that death is not the opposite of life, but just a part of it. It was a great adventure to him. His life was blessed because of the people he impacted with his mission and vision.
He will be remembered for his civility, humility, magnanimity and selflessness. He is not just the illustrious son of the Kadamapuzha family, but that of Kanjirapally as well. After all, he was its brilliant architect. It is quite remarkable that tens of thousands of babies were welcomed to this world at Kadamapuzha hospital. The hospital helped countless people live longer.
Now, Dr. Thomas Eapen, Eapachan doctor's youngest son, manages the hospital. He is a chip off the old block and knows well how to emulate his father. He is on the right track to take the Kadamapuzha hospital to newer heights. The sincere prayer of the people in and around Kanjirapally is that our Eapachan doctor should never remain an unsung hero, because of the wonderful things he did to keep the flag of Kanjirapally flying high.
