A 92-year-old gynaecologist from Hyderabad continues to perform surgeries, drive herself to work and practise yoga daily, saying she has no plans to retire after more than six decades in medicine.
Dr Suri Srimathi, who graduated in medicine in 1958 and earned her MD in obstetrics and gynaecology from Osmania University in 1965, has delivered an estimated 200,000 babies during her career.
Her day begins at 5:30am with yoga, a habit she adopted from her father, a yoga pioneer who remained physically active into his 90s. By 8:30am, she is reviewing patient updates and planning surgeries before holding evening consultations at the home clinic she established in 1999.
Despite her age, Dr Srimathi continues to drive herself around Hyderabad and stays current with the latest medical developments by reading journals, attending conferences and meeting medical representatives.
Overcoming social barriers
Dr Srimathi said her desire to become a doctor began in childhood after several of her siblings fell seriously ill with smallpox.
At the time, women studying medicine faced significant social stigma, particularly because of cadaver dissections. Her family reportedly endured a social boycott, with some relatives refusing to speak to them, but she remained committed to pursuing a medical career.
A career spanning generations
One of Dr Srimathi's earliest challenges came in 1959 while working at a government hospital in Sangareddy, where she performed her first independent Caesarean section on a 15-year-old patient.
With limited medical staff available, she had to perform multiple roles during the procedure, acting as surgeon, anaesthesiologist and paediatrician.
Over the years, she has treated three generations of women from many of the same families.
Former students and colleagues continue to praise her surgical precision, noting that her hands remain remarkably steady even at the age of 92.
'We cannot refuse to help'
Despite decades of service, Dr Srimathi says she has no intention of stepping away from medicine.
"Many people come knocking on my door seeking help. That's why I want to continue doing it," she said.
"We cannot refuse to serve or treat people when they need help."
