Dr. M. Indra Shekhar Rao
Dr. M. Indra Shekhar Rao’s life is a journey shaped by dedication to child health, academic excellence, and service to society. With over five decades devoted to pediatrics, neonatology, teaching, and community service, his work reflects a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of children and strengthening medical education in India.
Childhood & Family Background
Born in Picket, Secunderabad, to Sri M. Narayana Swamy and Smt. Lalitha Bai, Dr. Rao grew up in a middle-class family grounded in values of discipline, education, and service. He completed his schooling at Picket Government School and pursued higher secondary education at Mehbub College Multipurpose Higher Secondary School, Secunderabad, where he excelled with distinction.
Education & Professional Growth
Dr. Rao earned a merit scholarship to study at Gandhi Medical College, Hyderabad. During his undergraduate years, he came under the profound influence of Padmabhushan Dr. P. Tirumala Rao, a freedom fighter and distinguished professor of pediatrics, whose mentorship shaped his academic and ethical foundations.
He completed his postgraduation (MD Pediatrics) in 1975 from the prestigious Institute of Child Health, Niloufer Hospital, Hyderabad. Soon after, he joined government medical services as a Civil Assistant Surgeon, serving in primary health centers across rural areas. After successfully clearing service commission examinations, he was appointed Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Gandhi Hospital and Medical College.
Marriage, Partnership & Community Practice
Life took a meaningful turn with his marriage to Dr. Indira Sabapathy, his batchmate during postgraduate training at Niloufer Hospital and a fellow pediatrician. Guided by senior professors, the couple established pediatric practice in Bollaram, on the outskirts of Hyderabad. Together, they traveled long distances to serve rural children at affordable cost.
This practice has continued uninterrupted for over five decades, earning the trust of more than three generations of families. While Dr. Rao continued his academic career, Dr. Indira Sabapathy joined ESI services and later became Medical Superintendent of the 200-bedded ESI Hospital, Nacharam. She was widely admired for her discipline, administrative acumen, and ability to resolve complex issues at both staff and ground levels.
International Exposure & Leadership in Neonatology
During his tenure at Gandhi Medical College, Dr. Rao was selected for International Leadership Training in Neonatology at the University of Illinois, Chicago, in 1987. Motivated by his mentor Dr. Nagraj Rao, he trained under the guidance of Dr. Dharmapuri Vidyasagar, alongside eminent stalwarts in neonatology.
Returning to India with renewed vision, Dr. Rao played a pivotal role in establishing newborn care units at Gandhi Hospital. He conducted numerous neonatal care workshops across South India, fulfilling his commitment to his mentor with the guiding motto: “Give a Breath and Save a Life.” Through these initiatives, he trained generations of doctors and nurses, particularly motivating professionals in rural areas.
Academic Leadership & Administrative Roles
After more than two decades of dedicated service at Gandhi Medical College, Dr. Rao was appointed Professor and Superintendent of the Institute of Child Health, Niloufer Hospital. He also served as Additional Director of Medical Education, Andhra Pradesh, and as an Executive Council Member of NTR Health University.
In these leadership roles, he contributed significantly to policy decisions aimed at improving medical education and collaborated with national institutions including the Indian Medical Council, ICMR, and the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad. These responsibilities involved extensive travel and sustained commitment to academic excellence.
Professional Associations & National Contributions
Dr. Rao’s deep involvement with the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) and the National Neonatology Forum (NNF) led him to serve in various capacities at local, state, and national levels. He chaired multiple subspecialty chapters and organized several national conferences in Hyderabad.
He served as Chairperson of the Neonatology Chapter, IAP (2002–2006), and Organizing Secretary for the NNF National Conference in Hyderabad (2012). As President of NNF Andhra Pradesh, he successfully organized NEOCON 2003 and later co-chaired NEOCON 2013 in Hyderabad.
Infectious Diseases, Vaccinology & Academic Legacy
Dr. Rao’s academic interests expanded into pediatric infectious diseases and vaccinology. He instituted the Annual Dr. I. S. Rao Neonatology Quiz to promote interest in neonatology among postgraduate students across Telangana—a program conducted annually for over a decade.
He served as Convener of the Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Immunization Practices (ACVIP) from 2022 to 2024 and edited the vaccinology update guidebook The Purple Book, now a widely used reference for practicing pediatricians.
Under the guidance of senior experts, he actively contributed to textbooks on Pediatric Infectious Diseases since 2013 and authored chapters in leading pediatric textbooks. In recognition of his contributions, he was honored with the Dr. Partha Sarathy Oration at the National Conference of Pediatric Infectious Diseases in Indore in 2024.
Conferences, Global Outreach & Publications
Dr. Rao organized national conferences on pediatric infectious diseases (NCPID-IAP) in Hyderabad in 2003 and 2019. His passion for spreading awareness on neonatal care and infections led him to deliver keynote addresses at international pediatric conferences, including Singapore (2019) and Osaka, Japan (2024). He also participated in the 6th World Congress on Infectious Diseases and Antibiotics in Bangalore (2025).
He further authored the book Emerging Infections and Future Challenges, highlighting the evolving threats of infectious diseases.
Present Role & Continuing Legacy
Currently, Dr. Rao serves as Director of Navodaya Hospital for Women and Children, Secunderabad. He continues to combine clinical care, academics, and mentorship, supported by a team of postgraduate doctors. His practice remains a trusted center for families spanning three generations.
Dr. M. Indra Shekhar Rao’s life exemplifies a rare blend of clinician, teacher, administrator, and community servant. Inspired and supported by his wife, Dr. Indira Sabapathy, he continues to leave an enduring impact on pediatric care, medical education, and the health of countless children—an inspiring legacy built on compassion, commitment, and service.