Just What The Doctor Ordered: New Delhi's 'Medicine Baba' Offers Free Treatment To The Poor

Retired paramedic Omkar Nath, 78, scours Delhi for excess supplies of medication which he can give to the city's poorest residents.

Fondly known as the ‘Medicine Baba’, Nath wears a saffron tunic emblazoned with his mobile number and an appeal for donations printed in bold.

He said: "My slogan is 'give old medicines to me and help the poor people'."

"I get calls everyday from different areas. They ask about the medicine I need. That’s how I get the medicine and later I distribute it to the poor."

He walks three miles each day through the narrow streets of Delhi in his search for supplies - despite his age weakened legs.

The medicines usually come from patients who have been oversubscribed a particular medicine and no longer require it.

Although he is not a registered pharmacist, Nath says he doesn't distribute medication without an official prescription.

He has rented a shop space near his house where he stores and prescribes the donated medicines daily.

He normally charges 10 rupees (about 10p) for prescriptions but waives it for the poorest people.

His wife remains in charge of the drug store as he is away on the streets collecting medicines.

His exploits have gained him fame in his homeland and he now has enough donors for the foreseeable future.

But rather than resting on his laurels, Nath still heads out each morning in search of more supplies.