CD Web Desk
Mangaluru, Feb 7: Eminent psychiatrist Dr K Sudhakar Shetty, a towering figure in Indian mental health care and a long-serving faculty member of Father Muller Hospital, Mangaluru, passed away on Friday following age-related illness. He was 93.
Born on April 16, 1933, Dr Shetty was among the earliest pioneers of psychiatry in India. He was part of the first batch of MD Psychiatry graduates from AIIMS, New Delhi, a time when mental health remained poorly understood and often ignored in medical practice.
In 1965, Dr Shetty founded the Department of Psychiatry at Father Muller Hospital, laying the groundwork for organised, ethical and patient-centric mental health care in the region. What began as a fledgling department under his leadership grew into a respected centre of psychiatric care and training.
Dr Shetty served the institution for an extraordinary 52 years, earning widespread respect for his humility, integrity and deep compassion. Colleagues recall that he consistently placed the dignity and well-being of patients above all else, setting benchmarks for ethical medical practice.
Over the course of his career, Dr Shetty touched the lives of lakhs of patients and families across coastal Karnataka and beyond. His approach went far beyond diagnosis and treatment, offering reassurance, empathy and emotional support that left a lasting impact.
A revered teacher and mentor, he inspired generations of medical professionals, many of whom credit him for shaping their understanding of psychiatry as a humane and socially responsible discipline.
Dr Shetty is survived by his sons Dr Rajesh Shetty, neurologist and Director of First Neuro Hospital, Mangaluru, and Rakesh Shetty, along with his grandchildren.
The last rites will be held on February 8.
