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"When we encountered an 80-year-old lady, she lay amidst her own distressing condition, unable to care for herself. She battled the challenges of dementia and Alzheimer's, devoid of any support. It took us two painstaking hours to provide her with the care she needed. And I would do it all over again, because the joy of serving them fills my heart with purpose." - Dr. Swaminathan
After years of residing in Canada, Dr. Swaminathan C, a native of India, returned to his homeland. However, it was during his tenure at a private medical college in Tamil Nadu that he discovered his true calling. He observed the struggles of senior citizens who faced logistical challenges when seeking medical care.
"I would meet a lot of senior citizens at the hospital. Often, they'd narrate the logistical difficulties they face while shifting from their homes to a hospital bed, especially if they reside on the second or third floors. Many of them are also left unattended as their children live abroad." - Dr Swaminathan
He started the "Doctor On Wheels" program with a vision to provide healthcare at home.
While reflecting on the disparities between healthcare systems in Western countries and India, Dr. Swaminathan was inspired to make a change."In European and North American cultures, doctors visit senior citizens at home. I wondered if food can be offered at your doorstep, then why can't quality healthcare be provided at home?"- Dr Swaminathan
In September 2019, he initiated the 'Doctor on Wheels' program, aimed at delivering medical services, especially to the elderly, right to their doorsteps. He emphasized, "We also provide healthcare to those who cannot be physically moved to a hospital, like children with disabilities. With this, we also help them save hospital expenses."
Born in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, Dr. Swaminathan had been raised in Canada after his parents' divorce. However, in 2006, he returned to India to pursue higher education in medicine. After working as a junior consultant in a private medical college for five years, he realized that corporate medicine wasn't his calling. He shared, "I felt that a corporate job is not my cup of tea. I wanted to offer something better to people."
To make his vision a reality, he transformed a Maruti Eco ambulance into a fully-equipped mobile healthcare unit
A year after launching 'Doctor on Wheels,' he made the bold decision to quit his job and devote his full attention to this noble endeavour. To make his vision a reality, Dr. Swaminathan transformed a Maruti Eco ambulance into a fully-equipped mobile healthcare unit. He said with a smile, "The only machine I could not add was a CT scan machine."
The services offered by 'Doctor on Wheels' range from basic consultations to palliative care, peritoneal dialysis, and post-hospitalization care.
“My team includes physiotherapists, a physician assistant, a radiologist, nurses, and a driver, conducts regular follow-ups and arranges hospitalizations when necessary. If the patient needs hospitalization, we help them get admitted to the hospital of their choice for free of cost." - Dr Swaminathan
Since its inception, 'Doctor on Wheels' has provided care to more than 25,000 patients in and around Madurai.
"It is convenient for many to get healthcare services at home. Our dedicated team works tirelessly, often enduring long hours and challenging commutes. Despite the difficulties, I feel I am able to make a difference in somebody's life every single day." - Dr Swaminathan
His dream is to not just treat illnesses but to create a safe place where our elderly can cherish their golden years with dignity and receive comprehensive care
Dr. Swaminathan's aspirations go beyond mobile healthcare. He envisions establishing an old age community that provides holistic care for the elderly. This endeavour aims to create a supportive environment where senior citizens can lead fulfilling lives while receiving comprehensive medical care.
"As a doctor, my dream is to not just treat illnesses but to create a haven where our elderly can cherish their golden years with dignity and receive comprehensive care. Together, we can build a nurturing community where seniors lead fulfilling lives while their health and well-being are our top priorities." - Dr. Swaminathan
He needs your support to ensure that his mobile healthcare mission runs smoothly
To realize his dream of a quality geriatric care centre, Dr. Swaminathan is appealing for help. He estimates that approximately 30 lakhs (3 million rupees) would be required to fund the project. This sum would cover essential medical equipment and infrastructure development, including oxygen, vacuum, and air pipelines for continuous quality care. Dr. Swaminathan also hopes to procure another ambulance and modify it if excess funds are raised.
He outlines the tentative budget, with around 10 lakhs allocated for medical equipment and 19 lakhs for infrastructure development. An additional 9-10 lakhs would be required for the second ambulance. Dr. Swaminathan's vision is not only about delivering healthcare but also about creating a community where the elderly can thrive and find support in their golden years.
This doctor needs your support to ensure that his mobile healthcare mission runs smoothly through many years.
Click here to contribute.
