North Kerala's renowned orthopaedic surgeon Dr U B Kunikullaya passes away

Kanhangad: In a tragic loss for the medical fraternity of North Kerala, Dr U B Kunikullaya, one of the region’s pioneering orthopaedic surgeons, passed away on July 5 at the age of 89.

Born on January 20, 1937, Dr Kunikullaya rose from humble beginnings through dedication, perseverance, and hard work to become one of the most admired personalities in the region. Despite his many achievements, he remained deeply connected to his roots, taking great pride in his identity as a farmer and cherishing the values of simplicity, dignity, and hard work.

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Dr Kunikullaya dedicated more than four decades to public service in the Kerala Health Services. During his distinguished career, he served as medical officer at the Primary Health Centre, Mulleria; medical officer at the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Hospital, Kozhikode; and civil surgeon at the Taluk Headquarters Hospital, Kanhangad. He later retired as the district medical officer of Kasaragod. After he retired from government service, he continued his commitment to patient care by serving as medical director of City Hospital and Sunrise Hospital, Kanhangad.

Apart from his clinical contributions, Dr Kunikullaya played a key role in strengthening the medical community. He served as president of the Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGMOA), Kanhangad, and also headed the Kanhangad Orthopaedic Association (Ortho Club).

His leadership extended well beyond medicine. He was the founding president of Brahmana Parishath and a former president and patron of Shivalli Brahmana Sabha, and trustee of Ganesh Mandir and Rajarajeshwari Temple, Kanhangad, dedicating himself to social service, community development, and the welfare of society. Dr Kunikullaya was a skilled orthopedician of exceptional integrity, humility, and compassion. His unwavering values of honesty, discipline, humility, and service became the guiding principles for a whole generation, reports Daiji World.

A devoted family man, he encouraged his children to pursue excellence while remaining compassionate and committed to serving society. He is survived by his wife, a distinguished gynaecologist at Sunrise Hospital, Kanhangad; a son, an infertility specialist and managing director of Sunrise Hospital, Kanhangad; a daughter, director and consultant in Palliative Medicine at Manipal Hospice & Respite Centre, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal; along with grandchildren and extended family members.

Dr U B Kunikullaya’s life remains an example of quiet leadership, dedication, and humanity.

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