The doctor is still on call after 65 years

Datuk Seri Dr T. Devaraj said there is a need to help others with illness but he does not see the reason why it has to be charged./Picby CHAN BOON KAI/9 November 2017.

GEORGE TOWN: Datuk Seri Dr T. Devaraj (pic) can so easily spend his days snuggled comfortably in his recliner, looking back on his immense 65 years of contribution to the medical profession and society with a satisfied smile at a job truly well done.

Instead, the 93-year-old vice-chairman of the Penang Hospice Society still bustles about like a man on many missions.

He still pops into the office every day, dealing with day-to-day issues as well as giving input on projects close to his heart.

“I am still up and about, which means I have to continue to do something. I have spent my life doing many things so I don’t know how to spend my time any other way,” he said.

Over the years, thousands of patients and families with end-care family members have had their burdens lifted, thanks to the efforts of this pioneer of the Hospice at Home Programme (HHP) in Penang.

Dr Devaraj introduced HHP in Penang in 1992, which is an initiative under the Penang branch of the National Cancer Society of Malaysia.

The programme provides free medical care in the homes of people with life-threatening illnesses such as cancer. The aim is to reduce suffering and enhance quality of life.

Family members are also empowered by learning simple nursing care to help look after loved ones at home.

This programme was seen as an innovation for healthcare in Malaysia. It was at a recent public seminar held to commemorate the silver jubilee of HHP at Penang Institute that The Star met up with him.

Describing his journey, Dr Devaraj, who is also the NCSM Penang branch vice-chairman, said it was in the late 80s when he started making trips to visit patients at their homes, together with his colleague.

They then realised that this had to be an organised programme rather than just ad hoc visits. He said there was a need to help the sick, without charging any fee.

“Helping patients and not charging them benefits them as well as us, who are caring for them.

“By doing so, people watch us and they realise that we are doing something important, which inspires them to donate to us,” he said, adding that their services are mainly funded by donations, fundraising activities and government grants.

Dr Devaraj described life as a gift, but at the same time, it is also a responsibility.

“We are responsible for ourselves and our health, but we also have to be responsible in all ways, such as not to pollute the environment, obey traffic rules and also not to unnecessarily consume food,” he quipped.

The father of four, grandfather of five and great-grandfather of two said his only regret is that his wife is no longer by his side. she passed away in March this year.

Among his children are Sungai Siput MP Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj and Women’s Centre for Change (WCC) programme consultant Dr Prema Devaraj.