Dr Suri Srimathi: The 92-Year-Old Hyderabad Gynaecologist Who Has Dedicated Over Six Decades to Medicine

Hyderabad, Telangana: Dr Suri Srimathi, a 92-year-old obstetrician and gynaecologist based in Hyderabad, has earned recognition for her remarkable medical career spanning more than six decades. According to media reports, she has been credited with delivering approximately 200,000 babies during her career, making her journey a notable example of dedication to maternal healthcare.

Early Life and Inspiration to Study Medicine

Dr Srimathi's decision to pursue medicine was influenced by a difficult experience during her childhood. When her brother and sister fell seriously ill with smallpox, she witnessed their suffering and recovery with medical treatment. The experience inspired her to enter the medical profession.

She enrolled at Osmania Medical College in 1958, at a time when women faced significant social barriers in pursuing medical education. Her decision to study medicine and undertake clinical responsibilities initially met with hesitation among some relatives, but her family ultimately supported her professional journey.

Her First Independent Delivery

In 1959, Dr Srimathi conducted her first independent delivery at a government hospital in Sangareddy, Telangana. Medical facilities and specialist support were limited at the time, and she recalled having to manage multiple responsibilities during the procedure, including aspects of anaesthesia, obstetrics and newborn care.

That early experience marked the beginning of a long career in women's healthcare, during which she worked in different medical institutions and treated patients with a wide range of pregnancy-related needs.

A Career Spanning Government and Private Healthcare

Over the decades, Dr Srimathi served in government hospitals, medical colleges and other healthcare institutions in Telangana. She later continued practising in the private sector, including at institutions in Hyderabad.

Her career has also created a lasting connection with several generations of families. According to published reports, some women who were delivered by Dr Srimathi years ago have returned to her for care during their own pregnancies, bringing their daughters and granddaughters to consult her as well.

Continuing Her Medical Work at 92

Despite being in her nineties, Dr Srimathi continues to consult patients and remain involved in clinical care. Media reports state that she still performs Caesarean sections with assistance from other medical professionals, although she has reduced the number of surgeries she undertakes.

Her continued involvement in medicine reflects a professional life shaped by decades of experience in obstetrics and gynaecology. Her career has unfolded alongside major changes in maternal healthcare, from the limited diagnostic resources available in her early years to the advanced imaging and monitoring techniques used today.

Daily Routine and Commitment to Learning

Dr Srimathi reportedly begins her day at around 5:30 a.m. with yoga, a practice influenced by her father, Suri Raghava Deekshitulu. She then prepares for her medical work, with patient consultations beginning in the morning.

She has also emphasised the importance of keeping medical knowledge up to date. Reading medical literature, attending professional conferences and staying informed about developments in healthcare have been part of her approach to continued learning.

Her Approach to Childbirth

Dr Srimathi has expressed support for vaginal delivery when it is medically appropriate, while recognising that Caesarean sections are necessary when complications make surgical delivery the safer option. The choice between delivery methods depends on the medical circumstances and the wellbeing of both mother and baby.

Her approach highlights the importance of individual assessment and appropriate medical care rather than treating one delivery method as suitable for every pregnancy.

A Career Built on Service

Dr Srimathi's philosophy centres on continuing to help patients for as long as her health and strength allow. Her reported statement, “As long as God gives me patience and strength, I will continue to do this work,” reflects her commitment to the profession.

Her journey offers a perspective on the development of maternal healthcare in India over more than six decades. From working in hospitals with limited resources to practising in a more technologically advanced medical environment, she has witnessed significant changes in the treatment and care of mothers and newborns.

While the reported figure of approximately two lakh deliveries is an estimate cited in media coverage, Dr Srimathi's long-standing contribution to women's healthcare remains the central focus of her story. Her continued service and the trust she has built among families across generations make her career a notable example of professional dedication.