Dr K Seshagiri. He is one person who does not need an introduction in Tambaram, Chennai. He is famously called the five rupees doctor by the masses.

He has won several accolades and laurels for the services he has been rendering in the field of medicine. He is one among the few doctors living in the area for the past 50 years or so.

In a chat with News Today, Dr Seshagiri said the neighbourhood has developed in leaps and bounds in the past few years.

“I still remember when I moved to the locality in 1965. Only the suburban train towards Tambaram will stop at Tambaram Sanatorium. It won’t even stop the other way. But now Tambaram is a major transport hub.”

He further said several commercial establishments have come up in Tambaram. “Though spiritualism has bloomed in the locality, cultural programmes in Tambaram is lacking unlike in the city. There is still scope for improvement in this field. Only a few people are interested to host such events. Even if arranged, very few turn up to hear / watch the programme,” he added.

Talking about advancement in the medical field in the locality, he said, “There are many technologically-sound hospitals that have come up in the locality which is a healthy sign. I still remember when I had to go to the city for the delivery of my third daughter.”

When asked about charging only Rs 5 as fees, he said, “By doing so, I am able to serve more people. If I charge Rs 500, only a few people will benefit. I will be happy if I am able to help a poor person.”

He said more people are aware of the various diseases now. “Earlier, only 50 per cent were aware of their medical condition. Now, due to several camps conducted by government and various private NGOs, 90 per cent people are aware of their health condition.”

Dr Seshagiri said he has been a part of several camps since 1985. “The camps are conducted every Sunday in Pulikoradu and Mannivakkam from 1985. Apart from general check-up, I focus on treating and giving medicines for diabetes. The rich and middle-class people somehow manage to get treated for diabetes, but it is the poor who get affected the most. I give them free medicines purchased from my money,” he added.

As a word of advice for readers, Dr Seshagiri said people should abstain from drinking and smoking. “Excess of anything is not good for health and people should have a check on what they eat. A routine should be followed to ensure that one stays healthy always,” he said.