Veteran Psychiatrist Dr K. Sudhakar Shetty Passes Away at 93

Veteran Psychiatrist Dr K. Sudhakar Shetty Passes Away at 93

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 8, 2026: Dr K. Sudhakar Shetty, a pioneering figure in Indian psychiatry and a long-serving member of the Department of Psychiatry at Father Muller Hospital, Mangaluru, passed away on Saturday due to age-related illness. He was 93.

Born on April 16, 1933, Dr Shetty was among the earliest specialists in psychiatry in the country and was the first MD psychiatrist from the inaugural batch of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. At a time when mental health care was largely misunderstood and neglected, he played a key role in shaping psychiatric services in India.

In 1965, Dr Shetty established the Department of Psychiatry at Father Muller Hospital, laying a strong foundation for mental health care in the region. He went on to serve the institution for 52 years with unwavering dedication, earning respect for his integrity, humility and selfless commitment to patient care. Over more than five decades, he treated lakhs of patients and provided lasting support to countless families, hospital sources said.

Known for his compassionate approach, Dr Shetty’s influence extended beyond clinical treatment, offering emotional reassurance and dignity to those under his care.

Dr Shetty is survived by his sons, Dr Rajesh Shetty, neurologist and Director of First Neuro Hospital, Mangaluru, and Rakesh Shetty, as well as his grandchildren. The last rites will be held on Sunday.