Ten Rupee Doctor T A Kanagarathinam passes away at 96

Thanjavur: Dr T A Kanagarathinam, fondly known as the ‘10 Rupee Doctor’ for his unwavering commitment to affordable healthcare, passed away on Saturday in Pattukottai at the age of 96. The doctor was celebrated for his decades-long service to the underprivileged, offering treatment for as little as Rs 2 when he began his practice, gradually raising it to just Rs 10 by 2010. 

Dr. Kanagarathinam, a respected and longtime resident of Srinivasapuram, is survived by his wife, K. Rajalakshmi, three daughters, and a son. Born in 1929 in Ammaiyappan, a village in Tiruvarur district, his early life took him to Burma (present-day Myanmar) before his family eventually settled in Pattukottai.

A graduate of the prestigious Madras Medical College, Dr T A K Rathnam began his private medical practice in Pattukottai in the late 1950s. In the 1960s, he went on to establish a clinic on Periya Theru. Throughout his long career, he handled numerous obstetric cases, either at no charge or for nominal fees. According to members of the local medical fraternity, Dr Kanagarathinam personally handled or supervised around 50,000 childbirths over his career. His work has earned him several awards.

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According to N Selvam, 68, a retired government school teacher who penned his biography, Dr Rathnam remained steadfast in his service to the underprivileged. "He charged very minimally and worked without expectations, reports TOI.

Selvam also shared that Dr. Kanagarathinam oversaw thousands of childbirths throughout his distinguished medical career. Speaking to TNIE, Selvam said that he has contributed his service to over 50 villages in and around the taluk.

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He even provided free medicines to those in need, ensuring that no one was denied care due to financial hardship. According to TNIE, "He ran the hospital on a service basis, and he even provided free medicines to the people from a poor background. Since he collected only Rs 10 as a consultation fee and with his experience in taking care of normal childbirth, people, especially from rural areas, throng to his clinic," Selvam added.

In addition to his medical service, Dr. Kanagarathinam showed immense compassion during the COVID-19 pandemic, waiving a total of Rs 9 lakh in rent for tenants in his commercial complex located next to his clinic.