Davanagere: Dr Suresh Hanagavadi of Davanagere, who has been working for decades for the welfare of people affected by haemophilia, has been selected for the prestigious Padma Shri award for 2026.

The Central government announced the civilian honour in recognition of his outstanding service in the medical and social service fields, particularly for providing timely treatment and support to haemophilia patients through the Karnataka Haemophilia Society.

Dr Hanagavadi, who himself suffers from severe haemophilia, started the Karnataka Haemophilia Society with the aim that others should not suffer due to lack of treatment. The society was established on Ring Road in Nijalingappa Layout, Davanagere, and has been offering free treatment and medicines to patients across Karnataka.

A graduate of JJM Medical College, Davanagere, Dr Hanagavadi has been actively involved in treating haemophilia patients for several decades. He currently serves as a professor in the pathology department at JJM Medical College.

Through the Karnataka Haemophilia Care and Haematology Research Centre in Davanagere, patients are provided services ranging from diagnosis to rehabilitation under one roof. He also played a key role in sustained efforts at the central level to bring haemophilia under the Disabilities Act.

In association with the World Federation of Hemophilia, Dr Hanagavadi helped bring international-level projects to India. Renowned singer Dr S P Balasubrahmanyam had served as the chief patron of the Karnataka Haemophilia Society and supported its activities, including inaugurating the haemophilia building and organising a musical programme for the benefit of patients. His son continues to support the society’s work. Dr Hanagavadi’s wife, Dr Meera Hanagavadi, and others have also extended strong support.

Dr Hanagavadi has earlier received several honours, including the Government of India’s Best Divyangjan Award (2024) and the Rajyotsava Award (2021). The Padma Shri honour has brought happiness among the people of the district.

Reacting to the honour, Dr Hanagavadi said receiving the Padma Shri award has given him great happiness and has increased his sense of responsibility.