Visakhapatnam, January 19, 2026: Padma Shri awardee Dr Sunkara Venkata Adinarayana Rao, a pioneering orthopaedic surgeon, died at his home here on January 17 following a short illness.
He was 86. Born in Bhimavaram to freedom fighter parents, Dr Rao built a remarkable career focused on serving the underprivileged, especially those affected by polio and disabilities.
He performed over 3 lakh surgeries and countless procedures, many free of cost, while advancing orthopaedic care through roles at Andhra Medical College, King George Hospital, and the Rehabilitation Centre at Rani Chandramani Devi Hospital.
After retirement, he co-founded Prema Hospitals in Visakhapatnam and established the Free Polio Surgical and Research Foundation. Trained in advanced techniques in Germany, he also contributed to medical education and sports as a longtime football administrator.
