In a rich tapestry of medical expertise, this year’s Padma awardees form a diverse ensemble, ranging from cardiologists to hepatologists, burn surgeons to eye surgeons, and even encompassing traditional healing practitioners like Ayurveda and Vaidyaraj. What unites these remarkable individuals, spanning generations from sexagenarians to nonagenarians, is a singular common thread — their extraordinary accomplishments. The HEALTH PIONEER delves into the profiles of the 13 Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, celebrating the diverse brilliance that defines the forefront of medical excellence.
Padma Bhushan Awardees
Dr Ashwin Balachand Mehta: A trailblazer in Interventional Cardiology, Dr. AB Mehta holds the distinction of performing India’s first cardiac catheterization and angiography on newborns babies in India, in 1973, the year when he introduced Bundle Electrography in the country. He is also credited with the performance or supervision of over 35,000+ angioplasties and over 75,000+ angiographies, contributing significantly to cardiac care in India.
Dr Tejas Madhusudan Patel: Renowned for pioneering A3, which enhanced the safety and precision of coronary interventions, Dr. Patel has made impactful developments in reducing morbidity and mortality rates. Currently, he serves as the Chairman and Chief Interventional Cardiologist at Apex Heart Institute in India.
“I have been working in the cardiologist field since 91, I have served here for almost 31 years… The highest civilian award is not confined to only medical fields but every sector… It is a big moment for me and the medical fraternity as I have been awarded among the 17 selected in the entire nation... no field is perfect every sector comprises good and bad professionals…The future of the medical field is bright…” said Dr Tejas Patel.
Dr Chandreshwar Prasad Thakur: A former Union Minister, Thakur’s legacy includes discovering the first oral drug for Kala Azar, a formidable parasitic disease. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in establishing AIIMS Patna, contributing significantly to healthcare infrastructure.
Padma Shri Awardees
Dr Prema Dhanraj: A burn victim turned surgeon, Dr. Dhanaraj, 72, originally from Vellore, Tamil Nadu, and a resident of J.P. Nagar, Bengaluru, survived with 50% of burns at the age of eight when a stove burst while she was playing in the kitchen. She triumphed over the personal tragedy to become a driving force of change.
She has dedicated her life to treating burn victims. Head of the Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery Department at Christian Medical College, Vellore, she has operated on over 25,000 economically disadvantaged burn victims.
Dr Radha Krishan Dhiman: As a Professor of Hepatology, Dr. Dhiman has contributed to eradicating Hepatitis C, managed COVID cases in Lucknow, and initiated an organ donation campaign by establishing SOTTO.
Dr Manohar Krishana Dole: At 95, Dr. Dole is an Ayurvedic Doctor known for his 38 years of providing free treatment to tribal eye patients in Pune. He has treated over 1.75 lakh patients for cataracts and other eye ailments.
Dr Yazdi Maneksha Italia: A distinguished microbiologist, Dr. Italia pioneered the Sickle Cell Anemia Control Program in Gujarat, recognized nationally. His contributions extend to various ICMR research projects.
Dr Hemchand Manjhi: Vaidyaraj Hemchand Manjhi practices traditional medicine, treating patients with special herbs from remote forests. His expertise includes treating serious diseases like cancer with herbs.
Dr Chandrashekhar Mahadeorao Meshram: A 69-year-old eminent neurologist, Dr. Meshram has championed brain health awareness and made extensive contributions to neurological education and research.
Dr G Nachiyar: An 82-year-old visionary Ophthalmologist, Dr. Nachiyar is a founding member of the renowned Aravind Eye Hospital in Madurai, contributing significantly to the field of ophthalmology and eye care.
Dr Radhe Shyam Pareek: A 90-year-old veteran Homeopathy physician, Dr. Pareek is credited with treating over 23 lakh patients in a career spanning more than 60 years.
Dr Dayal Mavjibhai Parmar: An 88-year-old veteran Ayurveda practitioner, Dr. Parmar has authored over 50 books on the subject and provided free medical services to patients in his area.
Dr. Chandrashekar Channapatna Rajannachar: Seventy-five-year-old veteran psychiatrist, Dr. Rajannachar has provided free mental health treatment to 50,000 patients and trained 20,000 professionals. Known as the “people’s psychiatrist,” he has been instrumental in making mental healthcare accessible to all.
His tireless efforts, spanning over 35 years, reflect a commitment to improving mental health services.
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ACCOLADES POUR IN
Dr Mahesh Verma - Vice-chancellor, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University and Chairman of the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH)
It’s worth celebrating and acknowledging the contributions of these honored doctors, as their work not only improves the quality of healthcare but also sets a standard for excellence and compassionate service in the medical field.
Being a Padma awardee myself, I can understand such acknowledgment plays a crucial role in instilling faith among the public in the medical profession. The field of medicine is not just a profession but also a form of public service.
The diverse categories of recognition of the medical stalwarts who are mostly from the public sector reflect the remarkable achievements of individuals in the medical field despite challenges such as overwork, staff shortages, and high demands in government hospitals. Such recognition is an inspiration.
Dr DS Negi, Chief Executive Officer, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre, Delhi
Since the time of Sushruta in the 6th BCE, there has been a huge transformation, including the path breakaway invention of antibiotics, in healthcare, but the fundamentals have not changed. The challenges, however, that doctors face today are enormous due to the vast expansion of the human population and the diverse variants of diseases they encounter. Doctors today are at the forefront of healthcare, whether it is in a primary healthcare center in a remote corner of a state or a tertiary care center in a metropolitan city. Saving and improving the quality of lives of patients is the Holy Grail. The doctors therefore need recognition for the services rendered with skills, fortitude, and empathy. This was evident during the pandemic years when they not only treated COVID-19 patients but also sacrificed their lives trying to save them.
Dr Mahipal S Sachdev, Chairman, Centre for Sight, a chain of Eye Hospitals in India
Medicine is a noble profession, epitomizing selfless service and unwavering dedication to alleviating human suffering. The recent recognition of 13 individuals in the medical field with Padma awards reaffirms the profound impact healthcare professionals make. As a Padmashree awardee, I’ve witnessed the transformative influence of such honors. The medical community’s commitment to enhancing public health is unparalleled and deserves increased governmental budgetary support. Recognizing and rewarding exemplary contributions not only inspires current practitioners but also encourages future generations to pursue excellence in healthcare, fostering a society where well-deserved accolades amplify the significance of medical service
