Eminent psychiatrist Dr K Sudhakar Shetty passes away

Mangaluru: Dr K Sudhakar Shetty, who served the department of psychiatry, Fr Muller Hospital, Mangaluru, for 52 long years, passed away due to age-related illness on Saturday. He was 93. Born on April 16, 1933, Dr Shetty was a pioneer in Indian psychiatry. As India's first MD psychiatrist from the inaugural batch at AIIMS, New Delhi, he stood at the forefront of mental health care in the country at a time when the field was still widely misunderstood and overlooked.In 1965, he laid the foundation for the department of psychiatry at Father Muller's Hospital. For 52 years, Dr Shetty served Father Muller's Hospital with integrity, humility, and selflessness, always placing the dignity and well-being of his patients above all else. Over five decades, he touched the lives of lakhs of patients and families across the region. His compassion extended far beyond treatment, offering mental solace that endured long after consultations ended.Dr K Sudhakar Shetty is survived by his children, Dr Rajesh Shetty (neurologist and director - First Neuro Hospital, Mangaluru) and Rakesh Shetty, and grandchildren. The last rites will be held on Sunday.