Before Dr V S Natarajan started the Department Of Geriatric Medicine in 1978 at the Madras Medical College (MMC), there was no Indian facility dedicated to this branch of medicine and social science that deals with old age and elderly heathcare.
So in 1996, when Dr Natarajan established India’s first PG programme in Geriatrics, it earned him the sobriquet – Father of Geriatric Medicine in India and also, a Padmashri award from the Indian government in 2012.
Last week, Governor Banwarilal Purohit honoured him in a function organized by Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of Tamilnadu, for his contributions in the field.
Narrating his journey to News Today, Dr Natarajan said that in the early ’70s when he was practicing medical professional in MMC, he did not even know about Geriatrics.
“When professor Dr A L Annamalai suggested that I specialise in Geriatrics, it was the first time I was hearing the word. But, I was drawn to it as I learnt Geriatrics covered both clinical and social aspects of medicine in elder care,” he said.
Even his admission to the MRCP Geriatrics Medicine programme in the United Kingdom has an interesting history. “When I applied to Southhampton University Hospital, I wrote them a letter saying that I wished to return to India and start Geriatrics discipline here in my country. Those days, most doctors who do MRCP abroad, do not come back. My letter impressed the University and they created a supernumerary post (an extra seat) just for me,” said Dr Natarajan.
Talking about his early struggle to establish Geriatrics in India, the doctor said, “In 1978, after I came back to India, Dr S Balakrsihnan under the orders of MMC superintendent Dr S Thambiah, permitted me to run an OP two days a week from 12 pm to 2 pm in his ward. I am grateful to them. Even in peak summer, people use to wait in queues to see me during those two hours.”
Almost ten years later, after much struggle, Dr Natarajan developed this to become a 10-bed OP ward dedicated to Geriatrics and research and he did not stop with that. “The next step was to start a PG course. I wanted to start it in Chennai and had to fight with the government that wanted to give this to All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi. But they agreed reluctantly, and in 1996 India’s first MD programme in Geriatrics was born,” says Dr Natrajan proudly.
Mighty at 80
Now, the retired doctor running 80 is busy as ever overseeing the operations of Dr V S Natarajan Geriatric Foundation and a host of other social service activities to assist the elderly. Amongst the work he considers most important is the adult vaccination programme.
The doctor said, “Pappavukku mattumalla, thaathavukkum thadupoosi. I would advice all senior citizens to get vaccinated for Pneumonia which is the third leading cause of death in adults next to heart attack and stroke. It is just one-shot and a top-up shot may or may not be needed after five years.”
Dr Natarajan is also recognised for his Geriatric House Call programme. It has a team of doctors across Chennai visiting senior citizens at home to provide critical treatment needed within the Golden hours to save life. “Started in 2008, the programme had 30 doctors on call who are mostly my friends and students. Now it has grown to include 60 doctors and we also issue disability certificates, fitness certificates, and death certificate services.”
Dr V S Natarajan is a resident of Q Block. You can reach him at 26267282