DR. B H KERUDI, MS, FICS, FAIS, FIMSA
(Doctor Day Special)
A small, sleepy town of Bagalkote was bereft of even basic medical facilities 25 years ago. Those who need bare minimum medical/surgical services were forced to travel long distances, around 130 km either to KIMS, Hubbali, or 165 km to Miraj in Maharashtra. Such was the deplorable health scenario in several parts of Bagalkot then.
Thanks to consistent and continuous efforts of Dr. B H Kerudi, today Kerudi group of Health Institutions is a strength to reckon in delivering quality healthcare not only for Bagalkot district but to most of the towns and villages of Kalyan Karnataka (hitherto known as Hyderabad-Karnataka) region by reaching out to over 20 lakh needy population. Today, Kerudi group of Hospitals have emerged as major referral centres and offer an entire spectrum of quality services from medical, surgical, minimum invasive procedures (Keyhole surgeries), state-of-the-art radio diagnostics (CT, MRI), Interventional Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, Kidney Care and Surgical Oncology with linear accelerator facilities to the needy patients near to their home town at bare minimum cost.
A notable feature of these hospitals is highlighted by the fact that over 80% of the beneficiaries come from low socio-economic strata of the society are provided cashless-treatment under BPL category. This evidently reflects Dr. B H Kerudi’s vision and commitment, and his conviction to the Hippocratic Oath to serve and extend the medical/healthcare facilities to the down-trodden strata and the neediest man of the society. It will not be an exaggeration to underscore here that all these untiring efforts have assumed a missionary proportion that came through and conviction to the noble profession’s dedication.
Dr. B H Kerudi, is the first and finest laparoscopic surgeon of this part of Karnataka. The simple, soft-spoken but resolute Dr. Kerudi rose to the occasion by sheer hard work, a lot of guts, grit, struggle, determination and has enabled state-of-the-art multi-specialty hospital at Bagalkot. It is a diktat in the medical profession when a Doctor says goodbye to government services usually joins either a polyclinic or is into part-time OPD practice.
But, love for the medical profession, passion and desire to serve the community and provide the best of the care to the needy at their own place made him venture into establishing Kerudi Hospital (150 beds in the year 1992). Dr. Kerudi is synonymous with compassion, care, healing touch and his professional and surgical skills made him soon the darling of patients. His sharp vision, clinical acumen, surgical skills and is known as safest surgical hands coupled with the latest generation of medical gadgets which were unheard three decades ago in Bagalkot soon Kerudi hospital shot into fame as the only referral hospital. He is a mentor, guide for most of the leading Consultants who started their career from Kerudi hospital after gaining experience and learning the nuances of practice ventured into their own hospitals.
Dr. B H Kerudi born (11-02-1943) in an agricultural family at the tiny village of Hamsabhavi in erstwhile Dharwad District (presently Haveri District). He obtained MBBS degree with gold medal & MS from KMC, Hubli. Later joined Health & Family Welfare Department, Govt. of Karnataka. Before joining as a Surgeon to erstwhile Bijapur district he served at various PHCs as Medical Officer. From the year 1979-1993 as a Surgeon, he served at than most underdeveloped Bijapur & Bagalkot. He has performed over 25,000 major & supra major surgeries in Government hospitals with bare minimum facilities. Dr. B H Kerudi was the first person to perform laparoscopic surgeries in ‘North Karnataka’. He strongly believes that Surgeon need to constantly update knowledge, skills, abreast with the latest medical technology to make quick decisions and offer the latest generation surgical options to patients. He absorbs him-self while learning and acquiring skills, he learned endoscopy skills at Srikhande Clinic, Mumbai (1986), He underwent Laparoscopic surgery training from Dr. Ravindranath, Hyderabad, Further, he had his advanced Laparoscopy surgery training from Dr. Palenivelu at GEM Hospital Coimbatore.
He has established 120 beds Halamamma Kerudi Cancer & Heart Hospital in 2015. This Hospital caters to needy patients of Bagalkot, Bijapur, Gadag, Koppal, Bellary, Raichur districts and offers specialized treatment for cancer & heart patients.Hi-Tech Kidney Care Hospital & Blood Bank will soon be dedicated to the services of the needy population. Dr. Kerudi dream is to initiate a Kidney transplant program soon in Bagalkot.
Intimate Relation with B V V Sangha:
He shares an excellent and cherished relation with Shri. Veeranna Charantimath, MLA and Chairman of Sangha. BVV Sangha for its proposed medical College was looking for a hospital for MCI inspection. Dr. Kerudi wholeheartedly came forward and shown his hospital for MCI inspection and was instrumental in establishing a medical college in Bagalkot. He is also on the panel of the advisory of medical college.
Dr. Kerudi expressed that, he is of a strong opinion that, Health care needs to be easily available, accessible and affordable without causing a major financial burden to the patients and their family members.
He has the highest regard and appreciation for his fellow Doctors, Nurses, Para-medical and Class IV staff who stood rock solid behind him in all his hospital activates. He candidly recognizes their contributions and expresses his sincere thanks to all of them.
Awards & Honours:
• He is the recipient of the Professional Achievement award (2005) by Karnataka Private Medical establishment.
• Professional achievement award by KMC Golden Jubilee Celebration, Hubli (2010)
• Professional excellence ward (2016) at Surgi-quest & RHN Shenoy memorial International Workshop, Bellary
• Recipient of Karnataka Rajyotsava award (2010)
Doctors Family:
Behind every successful man, there is a lady, Dr. Anasuya Kerudi is well known Obst & Gynaecologist is known for her soft nature. She stood solidly behind Dr. Kerudi’s all ventures and is a source of inspiration and strength.
Dr (Mrs). Anusuya B Kerudi is a well-known Obst & Gyn. (W/O Dr. B H Kerudi)
Dr. Somsekhar Urologist & Dr. Sunita, Obst & Gyn (Son & Daughter in law)
Dr. Chandrasekhar, MS (Gen Surg), Dr. (Mrs). Kshamata, Interventional Cardiologist. (Son & Daughter in law)
