Dr AP Ranga Rao passes away

 Aitharaju Pandu Ranga Rao, popularly known as Dr AP Ranga Rao breathed his last early on Sunday.

Aged 75, he was recognised for conceptualising the 108 ambulance and 104 services.

AP Ranga Rao hailed from Mudigonda in Khammam district and completed M.B.B.S from Gandhi Medical College in 1965. Following which, he served as a Medical Officer in Burgumpad of Khammam district.

He then pursued higher studies in the United Kingdom where he also worked with the National Health Services.

Dr Rao returned to work at Bhadrachalam Tribal Area Hospital for six years and moved to Hyderabad where he staged a 72-day doctors’ strike to secure benefits for medicos.

He later served as Managing Director for Handicapped Corporation and Secretary for AP, Red Cross Society and Chairman of Durgabai Deshmukh Hospital.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao expressed his condolences over Dr Rao’s death.