While Google Doodle celebrated the 133rd birth anniversary of Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy on Tuesday, government hospitals across the State celebrated the occasion as ‘Hospital Day’.
Health Minister C. Vijayabaskar had earlier announced in the Assembly that ‘Hospital Day’ will be celebrated every year to enable doctors, nurses and employees showcase the hospital’s activities and achievements. Following this, the government declared that the birth anniversary of Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy (July 30), would be celebrated as Hospital Day from now, according to a press release. Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy had studied medicine in Madras Medical College in 1907 and was among the first women doctors in the country.
A social reformer, Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy founded the Cancer Institute. She was also the first woman legislator.
At Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, the celebrations were held at the “Red Fort”, a heritage building that earlier housed the Department of Anatomy. Dr. Vijayabaskar planted saplings and unveiled a portrait of Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy on the occasion. He presented appreciation certificates to doctors, nurses and staff, and honoured retired doctors. An exhibition was organised as part of the celebrations. Health Secretary Beela Rajesh was present.
Various hospitals including Government Stanley Medical College Hospital, Kilpauk Medical College Hospital, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Kasturba Gandhi Hospital for Women and Children celebrated Hospital Day. Some of the hospitals organised valai kaapu .
