Dr Sampat Shivanagi has spent decades shaping the healthcare landscape in both India and the United States. A distinguished physician, philanthropist, and community leader, his contributions span from medical advancements to cultural preservation. His most ambitious endeavour, a world-class cancer hospital in his hometown was driven by personal experiences. “Having lived in India for three decades in underprivileged areas, I was deeply moved by the disparities in healthcare. My dream was to establish a cancer hospital in my hometown, ensuring that no one would have to travel miles for treatment,” he shared.
The KLE Cancer Hospital built in Belagavi in Karnataka was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu last month.
President of India inaugurated hospital built by Dr Sampat Shivangi
Building the hospital was no easy feat. Faced with numerous challenges, Dr Shivangi remained undeterred. “It took years of reflection, collaboration, and determination to make this hospital a reality,” he said. Today, the 175,000-square-foot facility, equipped with 300 beds, stands as a building of hope for patients and their families. The hospital integrates multiple specialties under one roof, including medical and surgical oncology, paediatric oncology, gynaecologic oncology, and head and neck oncology. It is outfitted with cutting-edge technology such as Varian Halcyon Elite and Varian TrueBeam LINACs, enabling precise treatments like IMRT, IGRT, VMAT, and SBRT. The facility also offers a specialized pain and palliative care unit, a lymphedema clinic, and a daycare centre for chemotherapy, that has the capacity to treat nearly 400 patients each month.
Dr Shivangi’s philanthropic reach extends far beyond the hospital. Through the Dr Sampat Shivangi Foundation, he has funded educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and community centres across India. In the United States, he played a key role in establishing a Hindu temple in Jackson, Mississippi, and has been a strong advocate for mental health. As the first Indian-American on the Mississippi State Department of Mental Health Board and an advisor to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) under both Presidents Trump and Biden, his leadership has been instrumental in shaping public health policies.
Dr Shivangi with former US President George W. Bush and his wife Laura Bush along with Dr. Udaya S. Shivangi
The Indian American doctor’s contributions have earned him prestigious accolades, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2008. This award, recognized by the U.S. Congress, has been bestowed upon former U.S. Presidents, Nobel laureates, and industry leaders. Dr Shivangi was honoured for strengthening Indo-U.S. relations, securing Congressional grants for diabetes research among Indian-Americans, and serving in leadership roles within the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI).
Dr Sampat Shivangi is married to Dr Udaya S. Shivangi. Reflecting on his journey, Dr Shivangi hopes his work inspires others. “I urge my fellow Indo-American physicians to join this movement and help change the world for the better. My humble request is that let us be the change, and bring this movement to make our world different tomorrow. I hope my prayers will be answered one day and all humanity lives in a better world,” he said.
