For those living in Leigh and the surrounding areas, Dr Kamal Gupta was a familiar and respected figure. A dedicated GP, he served the community with compassion and professionalism until his passing in 2021. His medical career spanned several decades, leaving a legacy of commitment, care, and community spirit.

Born and educated in India, Dr Gupta qualified from MGM College in Indore in the early 1970s. After gaining valuable experience in India, he moved to England in 1974, settling in Birmingham. His wife, Usha, joined him the following year. Although he initially hoped to specialise in orthopaedics, the lack of a consultancy post led him to pursue general practice in 1984, a decision that allowed for meaningful, long-term relationships with patients and ultimately defined his professional life.

Dr Gupta’s life was marked by dedication to both his patients and his family. During a brief return to India, his son Abhay (affectionately known as Monu) was born in October 1972 with cerebral palsy. This personal challenge, faced early in his career, shaped his approach to medicine, instilling in him deep empathy and attentiveness that his patients came to rely on.

Returning to England, which he had come to call home, Dr Gupta continued his career with renewed purpose. In 1991, encouraged by his close friend Dr Tomar, he joined a partnership at College Street in Leigh. There, he became a well-known and trusted figure, valued not just for his medical knowledge but for the genuine compassion he showed.

Kaz Shuttleworth, a former colleague at College Street, shared her memories:

“I remember joining the team of Dr Tomar and Dr Gupta at College Street many years ago. He was a true gentleman, kind-hearted, with a fantastic bedside manner and deep empathy for his patients. He never let personal struggles affect his work, despite family health issues. In a time when doctors could truly listen and care, he stood out. A great man, a good friend, and sadly missed.”

After the partnership dissolved, Dr Gupta moved into Bridgewater Medical Centre, while Dr Tomar continued at College Street for a further year before relocating to Leigh Health Centre in 2010. In 2015, Dr Gupta welcomed Dr Weerasekara as a partner at Bridgewater. Following his retirement in 2020, the practice was renamed Pennington Park Surgery. A year later, Pennington Park merged with Lilford Park Surgery to become Lilford & Pennington Park Surgery.

Reflecting on their time together, Dr Weerasekara said:

“As a junior GP, I learned a great deal from Dr Tomar and Dr Gupta. It was truly a privilege to know them both and to receive training from them. Sadly, Dr Gupta did not get the chance to be with us longer and enjoy his retirement more.”

Dr Kamal Gupta passed away on 2nd February 2021 at Wigan Infirmary, following complications from COVID-19. Practice Manager Michelle Farrell noted that he truly “left his stamp on the patients”, a legacy that continues to shape the practice.

“Being a local GP and moving into a purpose-built medical centre, Dr Gupta naturally attracted many patients, and even today, people still speak very fondly of him. Over the years, some of our medical equipment had worn out, and his family kindly offered to make a donation in his memory. As we considered what would make a fitting tribute to Kamal, our TV media system happened to break down.

We contacted Mrs Gupta to let her know we were planning to replace it. She shared that, after discussing with their son Avinash, now a Consultant at The Christie Hospital, they had decided to fund the full cost of the new system, in memory of Dr Kamal Gupta, husband to Usha and proud father of Abhay (Monu) and Avinash.”

In appreciation of this generous gesture, Dr Weerasekara arranged for a gold-plated memorial plaque to be installed beside the new media system at Bridgewater Medical Centre.

Dr Kamal Gupta will be remembered as a GP who always made time for his patients, listening, caring, and giving his best. His legacy endures in the lives he touched, the surgeries he helped shape, and the community he so faithfully served.