Dr. B. Ramana Rao - The Progress Catalyst
- Chief Editor's Desk
- May 28
- 3 min read
A beacon of compassion in rural healthcare
Dr. B. Ramana Rao is a renowned Indian physician and cardiologist, best known for running India's longest-serving free village clinic. Based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, he has devoted over five decades to providing free medical care to underserved rural populations, earning national recognition for his contributions to public health. As a catalyst for rural healthcare progress, Dr B Ramana Rao has become a symbol of compassionate service and grassroots impact in Indian medicine.
Nationality: Indian
Date of Birth: 31 August 1951
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Parents: B S Rama Rao, Shakuntla Rao
Spouse: Hema Rao
Education:
MBBS from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal (1973)
MD in Medicine and Cardiology from Bangalore Medical College (1980)
Employment History:
Founder and Chief Physician, The Village Clinic, T. Begur (1973–present)
Senior Consultant, Fortis Hospital, Mallya Hospital, and Columbia Asia Hospital, Bengaluru
Proprietor, Dr. Ramana Rao Clinic, RMV Extension, Bengaluru
Dr. B. Ramana Rao, a committed medical practitioner
Dr. B. Ramana Rao began his career in 1973 with a vision to bring quality healthcare to India’s rural poor. He started a free clinic in T. Begur, a village 35 kilometres outside Bengaluru, that would go on to become a cornerstone of rural healthcare delivery. Every Sunday since, without a single break, he and his team have served patients—now numbering over 2 million—regardless of caste, religion, or financial background. His clinic provides treatment for a wide range of conditions including diabetes, asthma, and cardiac issues, and even dispenses free medicines, food, clothing, and books to those in need.
Impact Maker Dr. B. Ramana Rao
Dr. B. Ramana Rao began his career in 1973 with a vision to bring quality healthcare to India’s rural poor. He started a free clinic in T. Begur, a village 35 kilometres outside Bengaluru, that would go on to become a cornerstone of rural healthcare delivery. Every Sunday since, without a single break, he and his team have served patients—now numbering over 2 million—regardless of caste, religion, or financial background. His clinic provides treatment for a wide range of conditions including diabetes, asthma, and cardiac issues, and even dispenses free medicines, food, clothing, and books to those in need.
Change Maker Dr. B. Ramana Rao
Beyond clinical care, Dr. Rao has championed several community upliftment initiatives. He has constructed over 700 toilets, adopted 50 schools, and actively distributes books, shoes, and school bags to children. These integrated services target the root causes of poor health, making him a true change maker whose work intersects education, sanitation, and nutrition. His unwavering consistency—never missing a single Sunday clinic in 50 years—has turned his service into a movement, inspiring volunteers, doctors, and even his family members to join in this humanitarian mission.
Progress Catalyst Dr. B. Ramana Rao
Dr. Rao has shown how continuity in service can be a catalyst for systemic change. His model has proven that sustained volunteer-led healthcare can bridge the gap between urban medical infrastructure and rural need. Even during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, his clinic remained functional under safe conditions. The involvement of his sons, both doctors, ensures that this legacy of medical care, service, and progress will continue. As the clinic marked 50 years of uninterrupted service in 2023, it stands as a living monument to community-led health innovation and resilience.
Achievements
Treated over 2 million rural patients free of charge
Maintained India’s longest-running free village clinic (established 1973)
Constructed over 700 toilets in rural Karnataka
Adopted 50 schools for educational and hygiene support
Provided free medicines, food, clothes, and educational supplies to the needy
Featured on Kaun Banega Crorepati for his humanitarian contributions
Awards & Recognitions
Padma Shri Award (2010) – Government of India, for distinguished service in medicine
Rajyotsava Award – Government of Karnataka, for excellence in public health
Dr. Abdul Kalam National Award – For commitment to rural service
Honoured by Indian Air Force, Bangalore University, and several civic bodies
Media References
Wikipedia – Dr. B. Ramana Rao Profile
Deccan Herald – Village clinic turns 50
The Better India – A doctor who never missed a Sunday clinic in 50 years
Stars Unfolded – Dr. B. Ramana Rao Biography
Dais World – 50 years of uninterrupted rural service
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