Tributes flow for Ipswich doctor and community figure Dr Harry Ratnam

Riverview’s longest-serving doctor and a beloved figure in Ipswich, Dr Harry Ratnam OAM, has died suddenly at 74, leaving a legacy of care and compassion.

Riverview GP Dr Harry Ratnam, OAM, has been remembered for a full life of dedicated service to the Ipswich community. Pictures: contributed

Ipswich’s Riverview community is mourning the loss of one of its most respected and long-serving doctors, Dr Harry Ratnam OAM, who died suddenly on Wednesday, March 14.

He was 74.

His devoted wife Raji was by his side.

Dr Ratnam served the Riverview community for nearly four decades, founding Palmdale Medical Centre in 1982 after moving to Australia from Malaysia the previous year.

As Riverview’s longest-serving general practitioner, he became a familiar and trusted figure in the lives of many local families, known for his warm smile, dedication to his patients, and tireless service to those in need.

Dr Harry Ratnam, with his two children, son Dinesh and daughter journalist Reshni. He received a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2007 for his services. Picture: Contributed

His daughter, journalist Reshni Ratnam, said her father was the “anchor” of their family and someone who brought compassion and kindness to everyone he met.

“Dad was generous, caring, and always had an Irish joke ready,” she said.

“He saved so many lives and made a real difference in our community. We’re incredibly proud of everything he achieved.”

In 2021, after 39 years at Palmdale Medical Centre, Dr Ratnam retired on medical advice.

At the time, he said stepping away from his patients was difficult, but necessary for his health.

Even in retirement, he remained a familiar face around Ipswich, often stopped by former patients eager for a friendly chat.

In recognition of his outstanding service to medicine and the local community, Dr Ratnam was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2007.

A decade earlier, in a rare honour for someone still living, a park in Redbank Plains was named after him, an acknowledgment he accepted with humour and humility.

“They normally do this when a person is dead, but I’m not dead yet,” he joked at the time.

Beyond his medical work, Dr Ratnam was a committed community advocate.

Dr Harry Ratnam will be remembered for his compassion and sense of humour. Picture: Contributed

He regularly visited aged care facilities and supported vulnerable residents, continuing to serve with quiet dedication outside the walls of his clinic.

In his retirement, he enjoyed gardening, especially tending to his beloved roses, and had hoped to travel to visit family in Malaysia and Singapore.

Dr Ratnam is survived by his wife Raji, son Dinesh and daughter-in-law Taira, daughter Reshni and son-in-law Craig, and two grandchildren, Rohaan and Isla.

Funeral arrangements were still being made at the time of publication.

Originally published as Tributes flow for Ipswich doctor and community figure Dr Harry Ratnam