Triveni Journal

1927 | 11,233,916 words

Triveni is a journal dedicated to ancient Indian culture, history, philosophy, art, spirituality, music and all sorts of literature. Triveni was founded at Madras in 1927 and since that time various authors have donated their creativity in the form of articles, covering many aspects of public life....

A Poor Man’s Doctor

J. V. Ratnam

A POOR MAN’S DOCTOR tc "A POOR MAN’S DOCTOR "
(Koka Ahobala Rao Naidu)

Doctors are supposed to be the saviours of life. Medical profession demands devotion and requires commitment. Years ago, there were such noble doctors whose primary concern was the well-being of their patients but not the fees. In those days there was no multi-drug therapy. With simple medical treatment and nutritious diet prescriptions, doctors used to nurse their patients to good health. A look of relief on the faces of their patients was the only reward they would expect. Dr. Koka Ahobala Rao belongs to that tribe of doctors whose motto was ‘service’ and nothing else. He never prescribed costly medicines and unnecessary tests.

During the pre-independence days, only four people used to have horse drawn coaches in Bandar, the present head quarters town of Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh. It is now re-designated as Machilipatnam. They were the noted freedom fighter. Dr. Bhogaraju Pattabhisitaramaiah, Udayagiri Gopala Ratnam, Dr. Koka Ahobala Rao Naidu and Balaraju Rao Naidu. Dr. Ahobala Rao Naidu was a well-known physician. Every day, he used to go on his own coach to visit his patients. Taking the reins in his hand and also ringing the bell, he would drive his coach, while the coach driver used to run after the vehicle to keep pace with it. That was really a sight to see! He was a handsome person with moustache and curly hair.

Dr. Ahobala Rao was known as the doctor of oranges (Oranges-doctor). After returning from England, he started a special kind of treatment. He used to prescribe milk, bread and oranges, as the diet for his patients. So oranges were sold like hot cakes in the market. He even allowed the patients to eat mango pickles, sugar cane and such unorthodox diet, when people thought that they were poison. In those days the cost of the medicine was very low and wouldn’t exceed a few annas. But money has purchasing power but poor people could not afford to buy medicines. He used to take fees only from the rich, whatever they gave.

As a boy, Ravuru Satyanarayana Rao, the noted journalist, suffered from stomach pain and went to Dr. Ahobala Rao for treatment. The doctor prescribed some medical powder and advised him to take rest for a day. His trouble subsided with that simple medicine. The next day, when he went to see the doctor, he smiled at the young Ravuru and patting him on his cheek affectionately advised him to stop eating pakodas and prescribed bread for breakfast. That was how Ravuru got into the habit of taking bread for breakfast. Even in his old age, whenever he had temptation to eat pakodas he used to think of Dr. Ahobala Rao and successfully resisted the temptation. The doctor had a private word and a special smile for every patient. He was fond of children. He had sense of humour.

In those days doctors were literary men and social workers. One evening Ravuru went to the doctor along with Dasika Sambasiva Rao, a writer and advocate. In those days literary-meetings used to be held at Dr. Ahobala Rao’s house. Stalwarts like Dasika, Pingali Lakshmi Kantam, Katuri, Krovi Satyanarayana and others used to attend those meetings and discussions. Dr. Ahobala Rao Naidu encouraged Pingali Lakshmi Kantam (who later became a Professor and famous writer) to do his M.A. in Telugu literature. Pingali was only a high school teacher then.

When the freedom movement in the country picked up momentum, Doctor Naidu joined the movement and began to wear Khadi. He became a disciple of Gandhiji. Doctor Naidu participated in the historic flag hoisting event at Bandar Chowk. Carrying a big spinning wheel on his shoulder he enthusiastically participated in a big procession. It was quite an unforgettable event in his life. Had he continued in politics, he would have easily become a great national leader with his popularity. But he decided to confine himself to be a doctor with exemplary devotion to his duty. Service to the poor was the motto of his life. He was known for his generosity and charity.

In those days people would relate anecdotes about his generosity. Once he gave treatment to a poor man. After a few days, he recovered completely from his aliment. One day the patient’s wife brought some money to him towards his fees. Dr. Ahobala Rao Naidu, was surprised at this and immediately looked at her neck with some suspicion. He found the sacred mangala sutra missing. He insisted on her telling the truth. Then she told him that it was sold away to pay the doctor’s fees. He was deeply moved at this and tears streamed down his eyes. Then he enquired about the shop where it was sold and sent his servant to get the gold chain and restored it to the woman. He was happy only after she wore it again in his presence. How many doctors today are so kind and considerate towards the poor?

This is only a sample of his generosity. On another occasion when a poor woman went to consult him, he gave not only prescription free of charge but also Ra. 5/- from his pocket to enable her to but medicines. There were many such delicate and memorable incidents in his life. People who know him well, may even write a book about him, which would in turn speak of the socio-cultural history of the then Bandar. He was the doctor for Pattabhi’s family.

Doctor Koka Ahobala Rao Naidu was a noted physician, a great patriot and a gentle man. Although he was a popular doctor, he died penniless. Hundreds of people followed his funeral procession out of love and devotion.

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