THE streets, alleyways and pavements in the heart of the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur are what some call home.

And every Wednesday after the sun goes down, some of these people will gather along Jalan Hang Lekiu to wait for a group of volunteers from the ‘Teddy’ Mobile Clinic, which provides free medical care for the homeless, the urban poor and the needy.

Dr. Madhusudhan Shanmugan, who leads Teddy Mobile Clinic, said he named the group after children in the streets nicknamed him as the teddy bear doctor.

“I previously helped another organization, where I used to give a lot of free teddy bears to children on the streets. One day as I walking, one kid shouted and addressed me as the teddy bear doctor. That is when I got the name. But most people think I’m called teddy bear because of my body size, which I can say is partially true” the 35-year-old said with a laugh.

The clinic has marked two years of free medical care, starting with less than five volunteers to a growing number that also includes his family members. – July 22, 2017.