Amidst the rising cost of healthcare in Malaysia, homeless people always lose out. Dr Madhusudhan Shanmugam aims to change that.
Despite widespread coverage and being honoured with the 48th Commonwealth Point of Light award by Queen Elizabeth II in 2019, the Klang resident credits the success of the mobile clinic entirely to his volunteers.
Affectionally known as Dr Teddy Bear, Dr Madhusudhan said it started when he began handing out free teddy bears to children on the streets
“[Once], when I was treating someone on the street, [a] small kid ran towards me and said, ‘Eh, Dr Teddy Bear is here. Since then, the name [just] stuck,” he recalled with a smile.
In its early days, the Teddy Mobile Clinic operated out of a van bought with money pooled by Dr Madhusudhan and his volunteers. Outfitted with tables and chairs, the van served as a makeshift clinic at open-air locations such as Jalan Hang Lekiu, Kuala Lumpur. Dr Madhusudhan initially bore the costs of the supplies, especially medicines. Eventually, the word spread to the public, which led to donations in food, clothes, medicine, and other necessities.
However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the van had to be sold. Today, the team transports medical supplies and equipment using their own personal vehicles.
And even if you aren’t ill, the Teddy Mobile Clinic has you covered. They offer free blood pressure and sugar checks as a diagnostic.
You can visit his page here for more information.
