Madurai’s senior citizens find doctor on wheels a boon

MADURAI: A 33-year old doctor, who has specialised in emergency medicine, is serving elderly people at their doorsteps for a nominal fee, and his service is now being availed by many.
C Swaminathan, who was born and brought up in Canada, came to India for his medical education in a private medical college in Salem. After serving in a private hospital, he specialised in emergency medicine.
“On coming back to India, I found that the people here were in need of medical care. I fell in love with the country and decided to stay back,’’ he said.
He set up his clinic in S S Colony in Madurai, where he operates with his father Chandrasekharan as the administrator, besides a nurse and a male staff.
The doctor-on-wheels service was launched in December 2019 when he initially started serving elders at their homes. But then Covid-19 struck, and his service became a much needed one.
He charges Rs 300 per visit, including medicine and lab tests if needed. A friend who has a lab has come forward to do it free for Swaminathan’s patients, to be a part of this mission.
Now, they have also started receiving calls from patients in rural areas like Thirumangalam and Chekkanoorani. His ambulance, which was donated by a well-wisher, is equipped with a portable x-ray and other medical requirements.
If patients show signs of Covid-19, they are tested and taken to hospitals in the ambulance free of cost.
“Private hospitals have hiked their consultation fee to Rs 500 from Rs 200, and many of the doctors are only doing telemedicine. Compared to young people, elderly people are more comfortable when they see their doctor in person, and this service is helping immensely,’’ said N Chandran of Iyer Bungalow.
Dr Swaminathan starts his day at 6am. His service goes on till late at night.