Dr. S.K. Panduranga Rao

1934 – 2000  |  Founder & Visionary Pediatrician  |  A Life Dedicated to Healing, Service & Leadership

1934Born in Ballari
1990First private pediatric nursing home in Ballari
1982Lions District Governor
2001Hospital Named in His Honour

🕊️ About Dr. S.K. Panduranga Rao

Founder & Visionary Pediatrician | A Life Dedicated to Healing, Service, and Leadership

Dr. S.K. Panduranga Rao, born on November 21, 1934, in Ballari, Karnataka, was a pioneering pediatrician, a compassionate healer, and an inspiring community leader whose legacy continues to shape pediatric healthcare in this region. A proud son of Ballari, Dr. Rao completed his medical graduation in 1959 from Mangalore and pursued post-graduate training in Pediatrics at the prestigious K.E.M. Hospital, Mumbai.

🏛️ A Pioneer in Ballari's Medical History

Medical Graduation — Mangalore (1959)Graduated and returned to his hometown driven by a deep sense of purpose
Post-Graduate Training in Pediatrics — K.E.M. Hospital, Mumbai
1964 — One of Ballari's Earliest Private X-Ray Clinics
1990 — First Private Pediatric Nursing Home in BallariCreated history by founding the first dedicated children's nursing home in Ballari — rare in smaller cities at the time

💉 Visionary in Preventive Child Health

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First DPT & Polio Vaccination

First doctor to introduce DPT and polio immunisation in Ballari during the late 1960s — decades before it became standard practice

🦁

Free Weekly Camps

Organised free weekly immunisation camps with the Lions Club of Ballari, protecting thousands of children from preventable illnesses

❤️

Community Welfare

Organised health camps, eye surgeries, and wellness programmes for underprivileged populations across Ballari

🏅 Medical Leadership

President, IMA Ballari (1986–87) — He served as President of the Indian Medical Association, Ballari
Organizing Secretary, Karnataka State IMA Conference (1988) — a highly successful
Respected Senior Member, Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), Ballari — mentor to many young doctors

🦁 Lions Clubs International

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Charter Member

Charter member, Lions Club of Ballari (1966)

🌍

District Governor

First person from Ballari, Raichur, and Gulbarga districts to serve as Lions District Governor

✈️

Atlanta Convention (1982)

Represented at the International Lions Convention, Atlanta, USA, receiving national and international honours

🏥 His Enduring Legacy

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The Hospital

Dr. S.K. Panduranga Rao Hospital was founded in 2001 by his sons — Dr. S.K. Ajay (Pediatrician) and Dr. S.K. Arun (Surgeon). The hospital stands today as a tribute to his ideals—offering compassionate, quality care with a human touch.

🎙️

Annual Oration

The Annual Dr. S.K. Panduranga Rao Oration Lecture, organised by IMA Ballari, invites distinguished speakers to inspire the next generation of medical professionals.

Dr. Rao's life is a testament to what one individual can accomplish through service, sincerity, and steadfast dedication. His work has left an indelible imprint on the medical and social landscape of Ballari—and his spirit continues to guide every step we take.