A mission set out by Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal

| S VENKATESHWARAN |

The Hindu Mission Health Services in Nanganallur started off with only one MISSION: serving the underprivileged in the area.

Mrs. Usha Krishnamoorthy (secretary), Mr. V. Natarajan (joint secretary), and Mrs. Kalpana, daughter of Mr. V. Somasundaram, who was instrumental in founding the hospital, shared the inspiring journey of Hindu Mission Health Services.

In 1982, Mr. Somasundaram moved to Nanganallur while working in the financial sector of L&T. His brother was deeply associated with the Kanchi Mutt, managing several of its projects.

One day, a group of people approached Mr. Somasundaram and asked him to visit Kanchi Mutt. There, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal asked why they couldn’t start a medical centre for underprivileged people in their area.

Mr. Somasundaram initially hesitated, stating there was no large space available, but Swamigal suggested finding even a small place in a nearby school.

In 1985, with the blessings of the Swamigal, a group of socially-conscious individuals took action. Hindu Mission Health Services (HMHS) was registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975, and an evening dispensary was started in Modern School June 14, 1985.

In 1988, HMHS leased a portion of land, designated for a dispensary by the Town Planning Authority, from the Hindu Co-operative Housing Society. A board of seven elected members, along with a medical director, managed the institution. With support and donations, a small building was constructed, and by 1991, the dispensary grew into a hospital. Over time, it expanded into a multi-specialty hospital with various departments.

Mr. Somasundaram served as secretary until 2016. For two years (2009-2011), retired IAS officer, Mr. Ramachandran, took charge, with Mr. Somasundaram’s daughter, Mrs. Kalpana, serving as joint secretary.

When no one else was available to take care of the hospital, Mr. Somasundaram returned to lead it once again.

With his guidance, Mrs. Usha Krishnamoorthy joined and is still serving as secretary, along with Mr. Natarajan as joint secretary. Mr. Somasundaram passed away in 2020 at the age of 86, leaving behind an unmatched legacy of hard work and vision.

Mr. Natarajan, a retired assistant general manager of Indian Bank, recalled how, after his retirement, he was blessed by Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal to serve the hospital as honorary joint secretary. He has been fulfilling this role since 2014.

He proudly shared how Hindu Mission Health Services upheld its vision of ‘Arokiyam at Affordable Cost’. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital admitted over 150 patients and later refunded around Rs. 25 lakh to eligible, discharged patients, a rare gesture appreciated by Bala Periyava Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal and many families.

Mrs. Usha Krishnamoorthy, the current honorary secretary, shared that her father, Mr. Thiyagarajan, served as vice president in 1989 and was a close friend of Mr. Somasundaram. He was also the first president of the Nanganallur Rotary Club and contributed significantly to the hospital by donating equipment.

She recalled how Mr. Somasundaram took two years to train her before handing over the hospital’s responsibilities. Since 2016, she has continued to lead, ensuring the hospital remains transparent and accessible.

Over three decades, Hindu Mission Health Services has grown into a multi-specialty hospital and now has Mr. B.A. Kodandarama Setty (CMD of Vivek Ltd) as president, Mr. Ramachandran (Retd. IAS) as vice president, Mr. T.R. Chandrasekar, retd deputy general manager, Indian Bank, and Dr. Y.V. Sivakumar, plastic surgeon, a medical director in HMHS.

The hospital has increased its outpatient numbers and has 40 inpatient beds and fully equipped operation theatres and 24×7 medical services, free dialysis under CMCHS, ambulance service with lifesaving support. And more than 40 consultant doctors visiting every day, physiotherapy from 9 am to 9 pm.

Under the Madhava Seva/Raghava Seva Schemes, the hospital provides free treatment to the poor and tariff concessions for senior citizens.

Hindu Mission Hospital is now constructing a new building for a geriatric ward and additional facilities. This institution remains a pride of Nanganallur, committed to serving the community with affordable healthcare.