In a world where medical care is often beyond the reach of the poor, stories of selfless service and compassion stand out like beacons of hope. One such extraordinary story comes from Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh, where Dr. Konanki Sreedhar Choudary, once a highly paid physiotherapist in New Zealand, now offers his services to the poor for a token fee of just ₹10. Popularly known as the “₹10 Doctor,” his life is a testament to resilience, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to humanity.
A Promising Beginning Abroad
Dr. Sreedhar’s journey began in Anantapur itself. He pursued his physiotherapy degree from Anantapur Medical College in 2002 and completed his internship at Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad. Armed with skills and a determination to succeed, he moved to New Zealand in 2007, where his career flourished. Over nearly a decade, he practised physiotherapy across 16 countries, undertaking more than 100 air ambulance trips, and treating patients from all walks of life. His expertise and dedication earned him a seven-figure salary, global recognition, and the privileges of a Green Card.
From the outside, it was the perfect life—wealth, travel, luxury, and influence. But destiny had a different plan.
The Accident That Changed Everything
On December 20, 2017, tragedy struck. While riding a two-wheeler with his father near Anantapur, Sreedhar met with a serious accident while trying to avoid a stray dog. The accident left him with a shattered leg and doctors warned that he might never walk again.
What followed were ten agonising months of immobility and pain. Bedridden, Sreedhar battled not only excruciating physical suffering but also deep psychological trauma. The world that once admired his skills and success was far away; he was left vulnerable and dependent. “Many people just took videos of me lying on the road that day after the accident. That hurt me more than the pain,” he recalled.
During this difficult time, his father, Venkatanayudu, shared with him life-changing advice: “Never trade on flesh and blood. When you recover, help others walk again at the lowest possible cost.”
This profound message became the turning point of Sreedhar’s life.
The Birth of the ₹10 Doctor
By 2018, Sreedhar had regained his strength and decided to dedicate his life to serving those who could not afford expensive physiotherapy. He established the Sri Lakshmi Physiotherapy Centre in Anantapur. The model was simple yet revolutionary—patients would be charged only ₹10 if they held ration cards, ₹50 for others, and ₹100 for advanced treatment.
In an age where medical bills often push families into debt, this gesture was nothing short of a miracle. Unlike many charitable ventures, Sreedhar refused to rely on donations or sponsors. His younger brother, a software engineer, supports the salaries of the clinic’s physiotherapists. Together, they pledged to make physiotherapy accessible to all, without ever asking for charity.
As Sreedhar explained, “I saved enough to serve for 30 years. We will never ask for donations. In 2017, I was a corporate. In 2018, I was crippled. Today, I am the happiest man because I chose service over profit.”
A Mission Rooted in Compassion
Since its inception, Dr. Sreedhar’s centre has treated more than one lakh patients, including those from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and neighbouring states. The clinic does not rely on fancy equipment or excessive tests. Instead, it focuses on ethical treatment and genuine care. “The doctor charges very little and avoids unnecessary tests. I already feel relieved,” shared one patient from Betamcherla.
Another patient, Mary Latha from Rajahmundry, noted, “He didn’t ask for MRI. Instead, he examined me carefully and prescribed simple exercises. Within days, I felt improvement.”
Such feedback has made him a beloved figure in Anantapur. Locals affectionately call him the “₹10 Doctor,” not just because of the fee but because of the dignity and hope he restores to those in pain.
Beyond Medicine: Healing with Humanity
The story of Dr. Sreedhar is not just about affordable physiotherapy—it is about redefining what true healing means. In his own words, “I came here for back pain. The doctor cares very little about money but a lot about the patient. That is what makes the difference.”
Every patient who enters his clinic receives not just treatment but also compassion. His refusal to commercialise healthcare challenges the profit-driven systems that dominate today’s medical world. Instead, he embodies the principle that healthcare is a right, not a privilege.
A Family’s Support
Behind Sreedhar’s mission stands a supportive family. His younger brother, working in the software sector, ensures the salaries of the physiotherapists are paid on time. The hospital is run by the brothers alone, without any external staff, donors, or corporate backing.
Even the government hospitals in the region have supported his work. If any X-rays or scans are required, patients are referred there, where superintendents cooperate generously. The system is simple, transparent, and patient-friendly.
The Legacy of a Father’s Dream
What makes Dr. Sreedhar’s mission even more special is the emotional connection to his late father’s words. His father’s guidance during his bedridden days shaped the path of service he chose. By charging just ₹10, he honours his father’s aspiration that medical care should never exploit the vulnerable.
This story is not merely about a doctor—it is about a son fulfilling his father’s dream, about pain transformed into purpose, and about personal tragedy turned into collective healing.
Recognition of His Service
The community’s love and gratitude recently found official recognition. On August 15, 2025, Dr. Sreedhar received the District Collector Award for his outstanding services to society. What makes this achievement historic is that he became the first physiotherapy doctor in the history of Anantapur district to be honoured with this award.
The recognition not only celebrated his selfless service but also placed physiotherapy—a field often overlooked in mainstream healthcare—on the map of social contribution. For thousands of his patients, this award was a fitting tribute to a man who has been their lifeline.
An Inspiration to Many
Today, Dr. Sreedhar’s clinic has become a symbol of hope. For villagers, daily wage workers, and the underprivileged, who often cannot afford the high costs of corporate hospitals, his services are lifesaving. His name is spoken with respect across Anantapur and beyond.
But more than anything, his story proves an eternal truth: money can buy comfort, but compassion heals the soul.
Conclusion
The tale of Anantapur’s “₹10 Doctor” is not just a biography of one man but a lesson for society. Dr. Konanki Sreedhar Choudary walked away from wealth and luxury to embrace service, not because he had to, but because he chose to. From being bedridden and hopeless, he rose again to give hope to thousands.
In his journey, we see the essence of humanity—that true success lies not in how much we earn, but in how much we give. His clinic stands as proof that compassion, when combined with skill, can create miracles.
As Dr. Sreedhar himself says with a smile, “I am the happiest man because I chose service over profit.”
Indeed, the “₹10 Doctor” is not just a healer of bodies, but also of hearts, teaching us that compassion can be the strongest medicine of all. And with the District Collector Award now added to his journey, his service has not only touched lives but has also made history in Anantapur.