K Suganthi: The Florence Nightingale of Sri Lankan Refugee Camp in Tamil Nadu
September 20, 2023, 15:37 IST
Image: K Suganthi assisting Narikurava families during the COVID-19 pandemic
In a remote part of the Srivilliputhur area in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu, a 50-year-old woman named K Suganthi has been tirelessly serving as an angel in disguise for anaemic pregnant women in need of medical care. For the past 26 years, Suganthi has been working in Perumal Devan Patti, Narikuruvar Kalani, and the Sri Lankan Refugee Camp area under the Reddiapatti Primary Health Center.
Her remarkable dedication and selfless service have earned her the recognition of being the Florence Nightingale of the Sri Lankan Refugee Camp. Renowned as an English reformist and the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale’s spirit lives on through Suganthi’s compassionate work.
Originally from the Thoothukudi district, Suganthi’s family relocated to Virudhunagar when she was in Class 6. In 1996, she began her profession as an auxiliary nurse midwife (ANM) without knowing that her journey would culminate in the prestigious Florence Nightingale Award presented to her by the President of India in 2023.
Suganthi’s career as an ANM started in a village near Karur, and she eventually found herself serving in the Perumalthevanpatti health sub-centre. Her transfer to Reddiapatti in 1997 marked the beginning of her dedicated service to the marginalized communities in the area.
The areas she serves are notorious for being backward and predominantly inhabited by tribals who tend to be skeptical of outsiders. However, Suganthi’s warmth and caring nature have gradually won their trust over the years. Whenever a pregnant woman is diagnosed with a high-risk ailment, Suganthi stands by her side throughout her hospital stay and recovery.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Suganthi went above and beyond to assist around 25 Narikurava families. Apart from providing medical care to expectant mothers, she also ensured that they received essential grains. Dr. Karunagaraprabhu, the Block Medical Officer, commended Suganthi for her unwavering commitment, stating that every child in the hamlet has received their required immunizations thanks to her persistent oversight.
In recognition of her 26 years of selfless dedication, K Suganthi was honored with the Florence Nightingale Award by the President of India this year. Her remarkable journey showcases the impact that one individual can make in the lives of those in marginalized communities, and her work serves as an inspiration to all.
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