Doc grows veggies to give patients a healthy diet

Soon after he joined as the head of the primary health in Seruvaviduthi village, Thanjavur district, Dr V Soundarrajan realised that the rate of maternal and infant mortality rate is high in the region. Most of the pregnant women are malnourished because of lack of nutrients in their diet. With the intention of providing at least one nutritious meal to expectant mothers, he started growing organic vegetables at the one-acre ground in the health centre.

“Good nutrition during pregnancy is very important. But because of poverty and ignorance, expectant mothers don’t understand the importance of antenatal care. Most of the pregnant mothers who come to the health centre are from low-income families and cannot afford a good meal. After studying the village and the people, I came to a conclusion that the best way to fight malnutrition and anaemia in pregnant women is by providing them nutritious meals,” says Dr V Soundarrajan.

He transformed one acre of the health centre to an organic vegetable garden where he harvests around 30 kg of vegetables every week. “When I reported about the maternal and infant mortality rate to higher officials, they asked me to educate the villagers. But I knew that preaching doesn’t bring any results. So instead, I decided to give them healthy food. With the help of the locals, I converted a portion of the health centre premises to a vegetable garden. I collected some good variety of seeds and started growing in our garden. Tuesdays are our main consultation day when around 50-60 pregnant women visit the health centre for check-ups. I provide them a nutritious meal on those days,” shares the doctor who is a specialist in diabetic medicine. Dr Soundarrajan receives financial assistance from sponsors to continue the weekly lunch scheme. He grows various types of vegetables and greens and the excess produce is distributed among the women. “Recently, we have set up an herbal garden and a poultry farm as well,” he smiles.

He also takes these women to the garden and explains the nutritional value of each vegetable. “These days, people in the villages are emulating city-style of living and are forgetting their roots. Though farming is their primary occupation, most of them aren’t doing it. During my free time, I go around the neighbouring villages visiting people and creating awareness on the importance of growing organic vegetables in their land. I demonstrate how to set up a garden and also provide seeds,” says the doctor.