At 92, This Doctor Has Delivered Over 2 Lakh Babies And She’s Still Practising
At 92, This Doctor Has Delivered Over 2 Lakh Babies And She’s Still Practising
Dr Suri Srimathi’s six-decade journey reflects the evolution of maternal healthcare in India, from child marriages to modern medicine
At a time when most people step away from work, 92-year-old Dr Suri Srimathi continues to begin her day at 8:30 am, reviewing patient updates and planning surgeries with the same discipline she followed decades ago. In a career spanning over 60 years, she has helped deliver more than 2 lakh babies—an extraordinary number that continues to grow even today.
A Lifetime Dedicated To Bringing Life Into The World
Thousands of people, especially in Hyderabad, share a quiet connection—they were brought into the world by the same doctor. Dr Srimathi recalls in her interview with ‘Better India’, each delivery with remarkable clarity, a reflection of her deep commitment to her profession. Despite advancements in medical science, she says the joy of delivering a baby remains unchanged.
From Government Hospitals To Home Clinic Practice
After serving for 35 years in major institutions including Osmania Medical College, Gandhi Medical College, Government Maternity Hospital, Niloufer Hospital, Sagarlal Memorial Hospital, and Bapuji Hospital, she retired from government service. However, retirement did not slow her down. In 1999, she started a home clinic where she continues to consult patients even today.
Witness To Changing Trends In Childbirth
Over the decades, Dr Srimathi has observed a significant shift in maternal healthcare. She notes a steady rise in caesarean deliveries in recent years. Studies also indicate this growing trend, with one in five births in India now taking place through C-section.
From Child Marriages To Women’s Autonomy
When she began practising in the 1950s and 1960s, it was common for her to treat adolescent and teenage mothers due to widespread child marriages. Over time, legal reforms and increased awareness have changed this reality. Today, women have greater autonomy, marry later, and make more informed decisions about childbirth.
Breaking Barriers To Become A Doctor
Dr Srimathi’s journey was not without challenges. At a time when women entering the medical field faced social resistance, her family endured criticism and even social boycott. Handling cadavers during medical training was considered unacceptable for women, yet she persisted. Ironically, the same people who once opposed her later took pride in her achievements.
Moments That Shaped Her Perspective
Among the countless cases she has handled, some have left a lasting impact. She recalls a tragic incident from decades ago when a pregnant woman travelled 12 km in a bullock cart, but the delay led to the loss of both mother and child. Such experiences shaped her understanding of the urgent need for accessible healthcare.
India’s Progress In Maternal Healthcare
While challenges remain, India has made significant progress. The maternal mortality ratio has reduced from 130 to 93 per lakh live births, while the infant mortality rate has declined from 39 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 27 in 2021. Dr Srimathi credits frontline workers like ASHA workers and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives for bridging the gap between rural communities and healthcare systems.
A Legacy Measured In Generations
Even at 92, Dr Srimathi continues her work with unwavering dedication. For her, progress is not measured in numbers alone, but in generations of lives she has helped shape—mothers who returned home safely and children who grew up to build their own futures.
