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Donation largest ever made by Norfolk physician
By: Sheryl Schmeckpeper, Norfolk Daily News Living Editor, recopied with permission
A Norfolk doctor has given Faith Regional Health Services the largest donation ever made by a physician.
Dr. Natu Patel recently presented the hospital with a donation of $250,000.
“It is my duty to give back to the community where I have spent most of my career,” said Patel, who is a urologist.
Patel, a native of Jotana, India, moved here in the 1980s with his wife, Sudah, and their children.
Despite living thousands of miles from India, the couple have not forgotten their home, either. They have contributed significant amounts of money, as well as personal time, building and supporting a community center, hospital and other facilities in their hometown. Jotana is home to around 8,000 people who live in various states of poverty.
While the Patels continue to support those endeavors in India, their recent gift to Faith Regional Health Services shows their commitment to Norfolk and Faith Regional, said Barry Spear, Faith Regional’s vice president of growth and development.
Now, the Patels hope their recent donation will set an example to other physicians, as well as private citizens.
“We’re proud to have the facilities to meet the needs of the community,” Patel said. “I will call upon them (other physicians and private citizens) to generously contribute to the facility. It’s for the people who live around here.”
Those donations are especially important in light of the fact that Faith Regional’s $58 million bed tower is about to open. Plus, the hospital continues to update its facilities and equipment and add new doctors to the staff — all in an effort to better serve the community.
“We are always increasing our specialties,” Patel said. “Patients can get everything they need here.”
Spear praised Patel’s gift and his commitment to the community.
“He speaks highly of the community that embraced him. He’s hoping his gift makes a difference,” Spear said.
Last Updated: 4/23/2010
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