‘Doctor of the poor’ Dr Rathinam Pillai passes away at 96

Renowned Tamil Nadu physician Dr. Rathinam Pillai, famously known as the “10 Rupee Doctor,” passed away at the age of 96 due to age-related ailments. For decades, he dedicated his life to serving the underprivileged, offering medical treatment for just ₹10. Over his career, he is credited with successfully conducting more than 65,000 childbirths, most of them without surgical intervention.

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Born in 1929, Dr. Pillai began his medical practice in 1959. At a time when healthcare facilities were scarce in rural Tamil Nadu, he began charging only ₹2 per consultation. Practising from Pattukottai in Thanjavur district, he never raised his consultation fee beyond ₹10, becoming a symbol of compassion and affordability in healthcare. He continued serving patients at this rate until his final days, earning the title of a humanitarian doctor.
In a notable act of patriotism during the India-China war, he donated his daughters’ wedding gold to the Indian government to support military equipment procurement. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he waived rent for shops in his building for three months, showcasing his lifelong commitment to social welfare.

In recognition of his service, various organizations honoured him with the title “Doctor of Humanity.”

Dr. Rathinam Pillai’s final rites will be conducted on Sunday, June 8 at 11 a.m. near his residence in Srinivasapuram. Tributes have poured in from across the state for this beloved public servant.