Medical Services Of Dr.Muthulakshmi Reddi

Abstract

Dr.Muthulakshmi Reddi is considered the first Woman social reformer in South India. Muthulakshmi Reddi was one of the women pioneers in her profession in South India. Muthulakshmi was the first Woman Medical Graduate in the Madras Presidency. She started her medical career as a House Surgeon at Egmore Women and Children’s Hospital. In the Women and Children’s Hospital, there were only a few beds for children and no special attention was given to them. As a Doctor, Muthulakshmi Reddi was very much interested in providing medical inspection through legislation to School Children. In 1927, Muthulakshmi Reddi requested the Government to improve the Government Goshen Hospital. In the year 1936, Muthulakshmi Reddi settled in Adayar and established a Home for the Homeless Orphan Children, Destitute Girls and Destitute Women. As a Social Worker, Muthulakshmi Reddi supported Birth Control. Being a Doctor, she expressed her views about women’s uplifment and about the health of mothers and children. In 1954, the first block of the Cancer Institute at Adyar was opened. The Institute had a Health Museum Library and a Pathological Laboratory, and it was intended to serve as a Cancer Diagnostic Centre. Her human pre occupations took her away from politics. She never feared any Party or Government. She stuck to her mission and followed Gandhian ways. She had been the Torch Bearer of Human Rights for Women. Muthulakshmi Reddi was conferred Padma Bhushan in 1956 for her services to the people. She died at the age of 82 in the year 1968.