“Some lessons stay with you for life. For me, it began in my father’s clinic, visiting him on weekends.

I’m from Sathupally, a town in Khammam district. My parents were RMP doctors who served in small villages. They didn’t have much, but they always made time for those in need. That left a mark on me.

As a child, I’d often accompany my father to his clinic on Sundays. Watching him care for patients made me want to become a doctor. After completing my MBBS at Gandhi Medical College, I returned home — because this is where I felt I was needed most.

My wife and I began organising free medical camps in tribal areas. Over the years, we’ve conducted over a thousand camps and helped more than 13,000 people through health cards. We also established Asha Paediatric, Chest and Emergency Hospital nearly 19 years ago to provide affordable care in our region.

But I realised treating patients alone wasn’t enough. Many lacked proper roads, clean drinking water, or access to schools. That’s when we stepped into public life — to address these needs from the grassroots level.

We also worked with several local schools to ensure children in rural areas had access to learning resources. During the COVID lockdown, our volunteers came together for sanitisation drives, distributing medicines and masks, and even feeding stray animals near Cherukupalli forest and nearby temples.

Today, my wife Dr. Matta Ragamayee serves as the elected MLA of Sathupally. She continues to raise vital issues in the Assembly and stays closely connected with the people. I continue doing what I’ve always believed in — being of service, whether as a doctor or through public life.

On this occasion of International Nurses Day, I would like to say a big thank you to all the nurses who stand with us every day — often behind the scenes, but at the heart of every hospital.”

– Dr. Matta Dayanand