Dr K Malhar Rao Malle, an 81-year-old physician from Kalaburagi, Karnataka, has become a living legend for his unwavering commitment to affordable healthcare.
Charging just ₹20 for a consultation—and often waiving even this nominal fee for those in need—Dr Malle’s clinic is a sanctuary for the poor and marginalised. His story, widely shared on social media and celebrated by national news outlets, stands as a powerful example of compassion in action.
The Man Behind the Mission
Dr Malle’s journey is rooted in personal loss and a deep sense of duty. After losing his grandmother due to lack of medical care, he was inspired by his father’s vision of service. Dr Malle’s father instilled in him the belief that a doctor’s calling is to perform selfless service for humanity, a lesson inspired by a verse from the Bhagavad Gita..
Dr Malle’s clinic in the Jagat locality of Kalaburagi has been a cornerstone of the community for decades. He completed his MBBS in 1974 and gained early experience working under Dr Vithal Rao Palnitkar. Over the years, he has earned a reputation for humility, patience, and an unyielding dedication to his patients.
A Clinic With a Conscience
For years, Dr Malle charged no consultation fee at all, only collecting a small sum for medicines. In the 1990s, as living costs rose, he reluctantly began charging ₹10—earning him the local nickname “Hatthu rupayee doctor.” Even as other doctors increased their fees, Dr Malle kept his charges minimal, eventually raising them to ₹20 only after persistent urging from his daughter, herself a doctor.
Today, Dr Malle’s clinic remains a lifeline for daily wage earners, farmers, and families living in poverty. Patients travel from across the region, drawn by his compassion and expertise. Social media is awash with stories of his generosity, and he is celebrated as a true example of empathy in practice.
Beyond the Clinic: A Lifetime of Community Service
Dr Malle’s impact extends far beyond his clinic. He has served as secretary of St John Ambulance and was active with the Red Cross Society, organising 142 blood donation camps and running 62 health camps in slums and rural areas over the past two decades.
He has personally donated blood 54 times, demonstrating his commitment to public health at every level. Even as age has limited his working hours—he now sees patients between 10am and 1:30pm—Dr Malle continues to supervise vaccination drives and remains a guiding force in the community.
Recognition and Inspiration
Dr Malle’s extraordinary service has earned him numerous accolades, including an Honorary Doctorate in Social Service & Humanity (2019), the International Man of the Year award for social work at the 22nd International Cultural Fest in Kuala Lumpur (2019), and the Bharat Jyoti award by the India International Friendship Society (2018). He has also been felicitated by several former governors of Karnataka.
His legacy is not only in the thousands of lives he has touched but also in the inspiration he provides to young doctors and changemakers. Calls are growing for official recognition of his contribution to public health, with many suggesting his model of affordable, compassionate care should be replicated across the country.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Dr K Malhar Rao Malle’s story is a testament to the power of one individual to make a profound difference. The Logical Indian celebrates his commitment to peace, kindness, and empathy, and believes that such acts of selflessness are essential for building a more harmonious society.
