Retired Anesthesiologist Celebrates 80th Birthday by Giving $1 Million to HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital NICU

Dr. Babu Prasad, a retired HSHS St. John’s Hospital anesthesiologist, marked a milestone 80th birthday by giving the region’s premature and critically ill newborns the opportunity to reach their own milestone – a healthy beginning to life.

Dr. Prasad said the infants in HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hold a special place in his heart since they reflect his humble beginnings more than 50 years ago, when he immigrated to the United States from India after graduating from medical school.

“St. John’s gave me an opportunity,” Dr. Prasad said. “It is my life’s dream to give that same opportunity to St. John’s babies and their families.”

Dr. Prasad’s $1 million donation will go toward lifesaving equipment and technology, such as an additional temperature-controlled, encased bed specially crafted for ambulances transporting newborns to the NICU from outlying areas. The 56-bed NICU serves patients and their families within a 90-mile radius of Springfield, with more than 180 highly trained medical professionals caring for 850 newborns in 2025.

Ali Farmer, Director of HSHS St. John’s Foundation, said the organization is grateful for the trust Dr. Prasad placed in its mission. The physician previously donated $1 million to the Foundation for the NICU in 2020.

“Dr. Prasad’s generosity exemplifies his life of service and his love for this community,” Farmer said. “This gift will help our caregivers provide advanced care, comfort and hope to vulnerable babies and their families.”

Aryn Hunter, Chief Administrative Officer of HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital, said his consistent dedication to the most fragile newborns anchored his role in the legacy of critical care offered by the only Level III NICU in the region.

“This is more than a generous financial contribution,” Hunter said. “It is a recognition of the superior care provided by our physicians, nurses and clinical specialists right here in Springfield.”

HSHS St. John’s Foundation designed a separate donor wall honoring Dr. Prasad in the lobby of St. John’s Children’s Hospital.