“When I was in medical service, I often thought of what the plight of a middle class family like ours would have been at the untimely death of the bread winner. I felt that the masses had to be educated better about hygiene and public health, and the preventive approach to diseases had to be emphasised. I felt that modern medical care should be built on the cultural and traditional beliefs, habits of our people and medical education be based on the needs of the country’s specific problems. The chance to put my ideas into action came when I retired prematurely from service, in 1957.”

- Dr. K.S. Sanjivi
(Founder, The Voluntary Heatlth Services)
An eminent physician and scholar, who was greatly influenced by Gandhian thought and particularly by the philosophy of “Unto the Last”, envisioned and made health and medical services available to the poorest of the poor through the establishment of the Voluntary Health Services in 1958.

Another year has passed in the glorious history of "Namma VHS" and once again the time has come to take stock of what we have done over the past one year and I am happy to share with you some of our key achievements during the year. For the patients who seek our help, VHS has continued to provide truly affordable care and has provided the “healing touch” and brought about a smile in many of the patients faces. This has been possible by our dedicated team of consultants, Honorary and empanelled doctors, staff nurses and support staff who continue to work from their heart in the service of the community.

Change, they say, is the only constant thing in life. And indeed VHS is going through a phase of reinventing itself and renewing its pledge to serve the community better. A strategic task force has been established under the leadership of Mr Kasturi Balaji, a Central committee member. This task force has put in significant effort in creating the new road map for “Namma” VHS.

The journey of VHS over the last 60 years would not have been successful but for the support received from our donors and well-wishers. I would also like to thank the Rotary Club of Madras Metro for their continuing support to VHS.

- Dr. S. Suresh
(Honorary Secretary & CEO)