Karnataka: In spirit of serving people, doctor offers medical services for Rs 20

Speaking to ANI, he said, "At that time we could not get any doctor. For this reason, my father made me study medical sciences and directed me not to take exorbitant fees."

Dr K Malhar Rao Malle has worked as a doctor since 1975 after he completed his MBBS in 1974.

Until recently, he used to charge Rs 10. The 77-year-old doctor further elucidated the Rs 10 increase in his fees and said, "Over the years, I have never owned a place of my own. Since 1974 have lived in a rented place. I have to pay the rent and salary of those who work here for me. Recently, the rent increased so I was forced to charge an extra Rs 10."

Bhavani Singh, a patient who has been consulting Dr Malle for the last 30-35 years, said, "Only God knows how he manages to live on Rs 20. I have no words to appreciate what he is doing. In the Covid-19 pandemic, some have shut their clinics. Dr Malle would never do such a thing. Even in such harsh times, the doctor has been very generous by consulting his patients as he used to and by charging a nominal rate."

A lot of his patients belong to the nearby slum area. Daily, on an average 75-100 patients visit Dr Malle.

The doctor described that he is flushed with happiness when the people of lower-income groups come and tell him that the prescribed medicines worked. "There are a lot of slum areas here. I feel happy when they appreciate me by saying that the medicine helped in their medical problem. I feel so much pleasure and I feel inspired by this," said Dr Malle.

"I would never forget what my father told me. I will work like this for a lifetime," concluded Dr Malle. 

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