Dr. B. Ramana Rao, is a Physician and Cardiologist, based out of Bengaluru, Karnataka. Dr. Ramana Rao till date has been providing free medical treatment to the rural poor at his clinic at T-Begur village, untiringly and consecutively for the past 33 years and has cumulatively treated more than a million patients.
B. Ramana Rao is a general physician and consulting cardiologist for a filament of celebrities. He treats patients at big hospitals in Bangalore, totting up to running a free clinic on Sundays at his farmhouse in T Begur, on the outskirts of the city, for villagers, since two decades now. The latter gesture got him a Rajyotsava award.
Early Life of B. Ramana Rao
Born on August 31st, 1951, was the product of Independent India. Dr. B. Ramana Rao received his MBBS degree in 1973 from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, and later got his MD in Medicine and Cardiology in 1980 from Bangalore Medical College, Bangalore. He set up private practice after his MBBS in 1973 and continues to do so till date. He started the free clinic at T-Begur village in 1977, where he continues to provide free medical treatment every Sunday.
Contribution of B. Ramana Rao
Dr. B. Ramana Rao contributes regularly on health Management who is a well known public figure when it comes to health management. Writer of several articles and journals in popular magazines, and leading dailies in India and abroad, and has authored many papers in medical journals. Very active on the lecture circuit, Dr. B. Ramana Rao has talked extensively on rural health management at various forums. Dr B. Ramana Rao has also been holding free weekly medical camps at his farmhouse at T Begur village, 35 km from Bangalore, every Sunday for 36 years.
As patients flock to the camp from 100 km around with a never redeemed hope to be fit and fine, meets the ever enthusiastic B. Ramana Rao who treats an average of 1,000 patients, who are also given a free mid-day meal and medicines as B. Ramana Rao feels apart from medication even food is a requirement for the prompt recuperation and recovery. Dr. B. Ramana Rao feels there is a need for holistic healthcare for the economically weaker and marginalized cross sections. Medical treatment has to be combined with healthy food, education, and proper sanitation. Only then will the medicine be effective and help in progress and economic empowerment says Dr B. Ramana Rao. His medical camps are a beacon of hope to the thousands who find both succour from ailments and hope for a better living every Sunday, thanks to the efforts of Dr Ramana Rao.
Philanthropic by nature; the silent unspeakable pains, the hushed bereavement of the poverty stricken men and women never slip by or go unnoticed. B. Ramana Rao is the healing touch the needy in India need. Empathetic as he is; he possesses a rare golden heart that beats for those left out in the cold. Dr Rao also gives away clothes and rice during festivals, while children are given free notebooks and study material. He has also been instrumental in building over 700 toilets in the surrounding villages. Rao was Kannada thespian Rajkumar`s consulting physician.
Achievements of B. Ramana Rao
He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2010 for his contribution to the field of medicine in Bangalore. For his outstanding contribution to rural health care, B. Ramana Rao has been felicitated and awarded numerously. Notably he received Karnataka Rajyotsava award from the Karnataka State Government, Dr. BC Roy award from the IMA, apart from the Padmashree.
On receiving the award, this is what Dr. Ramana Rao had to say, "This award is an inspiration for me. It is inspiring me to do even more. It reminds me of the mission our great forefathers such as Mahatma Gandhi spelt out for the development of the nation. Quality, affordable healthcare is a basic necessity today and I wish more doctors come forward to offer free treatment. A large section of the population is left out of the healthcare delivery system and they need to be brought in."
