Category health policy
Brigadier (Hon.) Dr. Arvind Lal, Padma Shri, Pathologist, Pioneer of Modern Diagnostics in India
Brigadier (Hon.) Dr. Arvind Lal, Padma ShriPathologist, Pioneer of Modern Diagnostics in India The telephone rang late on the night of 4 December 1977 in a quiet room on the green campus of the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune. “Arvind… it’s about your father.” Twenty-eight-year-old Dr. Arvind Lal, lecturer in Pathology and assistant hostel […]
Dr. Ashok Kumar Grover (A.K. Grover), Padma Shri, Ophthalmologist, Pioneer of Oculoplastic Surgery in India
Dr. Ashok Kumar Grover (A.K. Grover), Padma ShriOphthalmologist, Pioneer of Oculoplastic Surgery in India The operating theatre lights were bright, but the young surgeon’s hands were steady. “Doctor, will my child be able to open his eyes properly again?” the anxious mother whispered outside the door. Dr. Ashok Kumar Grover looked up from the scrub […]
Dr. Ashok Kumar Gupta (A.K. Gupta / AKG), Padma Shri, Reconstructive Plastic & Microsurgeon
Dr. Ashok Kumar Gupta (A.K. Gupta / AKG), Padma ShriReconstructive Plastic & Microsurgeon The small operating theatre at Grant Medical College and Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals in Mumbai was silent except for the steady beep of monitors. On the table lay a two-year-old child whose face had been terribly damaged. “Doctor, is it even […]
Dr. Ashok Kumar Vaid (Ashok K. Vaid), Padma Shri, Medical Oncologist & Pioneer of Bone Marrow Transplantation
Dr. Ashok Kumar Vaid (Ashok K. Vaid), Padma ShriMedical Oncologist & Pioneer of Bone Marrow Transplantation The young patient’s eyes searched his face. “Doctor… will this new treatment really give me a second chance?” Dr. Ashok Kumar Vaid sat down beside the bed, his voice steady and kind. “Bone marrow transplant is not magic,” he […]
Dr. Bal Swaroop Chaubey (Balswarup / Bal Swarup Chaubey), Padma Shri, Nephrologist, Teacher & Former Dean, Government Medical College & Hospital, Nagpur
Dr. Bal Swaroop Chaubey (Balswarup / Bal Swarup Chaubey), Padma ShriNephrologist, Teacher & Former Dean, Government Medical College & Hospital, Nagpur The young resident stood nervously outside the professor’s room, case notes in hand. “Sir, the diagnosis is still unclear. The patient is deteriorating.” Dr. Bal Swaroop Chaubey looked up from his desk, his eyes […]
Dr. Devender Singh Rana (D.S. Rana / Devinder Singh Rana), Padma Shri, Nephrologist, Pioneer of Renal Care & Chairman, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi
Dr. Devender Singh Rana (D.S. Rana / Devinder Singh Rana), Padma ShriNephrologist, Pioneer of Renal Care & Chairman, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi The elderly farmer from a remote Himachal village sat nervously in the consulting room. “Doctor sahib, my kidneys are failing. The big city hospitals are too far and too costly. Is […]
Dr. G. Vijayaraghavan (Govindan Vijayaraghavan), Padma Shri Cardiologist, Pioneer of 2D Echocardiography in India
Dr. G. Vijayaraghavan (Govindan Vijayaraghavan), Padma ShriCardiologist, Pioneer of 2D Echocardiography in India The young doctor stood before a grainy black-and-white image on the screen. “This is the future,” he told his colleagues at the Medical College Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram in the late 1970s. “If we can see the heart beating in real time, we […]
Dr. Kalyan Banerjee, Padma ShriHomeopath & Pioneer of Accessible Advanced Homeopathic Care
Dr. Kalyan Banerjee, Padma ShriHomeopath & Pioneer of Accessible Advanced Homeopathic Care The woman sat across from him, her voice trembling. “Doctor, the specialists have said there is nothing more they can do. My condition has been called incurable. Is there still any hope?” Dr. Kalyan Banerjee listened carefully, then replied with quiet conviction, “In […]
Dr. R. Sivaraman, Padma ShriSurgeon & Pioneer of Geriatric Surgery in Tamil Nadu
Dr. R. Sivaraman, Padma ShriSurgeon & Pioneer of Geriatric Surgery in Tamil Nadu The elderly patient looked anxious as he was wheeled into the ward. “Doctor, at my age… is surgery really safe? Will I survive it?” Dr. R. Sivaraman sat beside the bed and spoke with quiet reassurance. “Age is only a number. What […]
Dr. Shaik Khader Noordeen (S.K. Noordeen), Padma ShriLeprologist & Architect of the Global Leprosy Elimination Programme
Dr. Shaik Khader Noordeen (S.K. Noordeen), Padma ShriLeprologist & Architect of the Global Leprosy Elimination Programme In a quiet corner of a leprosy hospital in Tamil Nadu, a young doctor looked at the patients who had been cast aside by society. “These are not just cases,” he told a colleague. “They are people who have […]
Dr. Yash Gulati, Padma ShriOrthopaedic Surgeon – Joint Replacement & Spine Specialist
Dr. Yash Gulati, Padma ShriOrthopaedic Surgeon – Joint Replacement & Spine Specialist The patient, a middle-aged man with severe knee pain, looked worried. “Doctor, will I be able to walk without pain again? I have tried everything.” Dr. Yash Gulati smiled reassuringly. “Modern joint replacement, done with precision and care, can give you back your […]
Dr. Thanikachalam Sadagopan (S. Thanikachalam), Padma Shri
Dr. Thanikachalam Sadagopan (S. Thanikachalam), Padma ShriCardiologist, Teacher & Pioneer of Preventive Cardiology The middle-aged executive sat across the table, looking anxious after a routine check-up. “Doctor, my reports show high blood pressure and cholesterol. Am I heading for a heart attack?” Dr. Thanikachalam Sadagopan leaned forward with a calm smile. “Not if we act […]
Dr. P. R. Krishna Kumar (P.R. Krishnakumar), Padma Shri, Ayurveda Visionary, Educator & Institution Builder
Dr. P. R. Krishna Kumar (P.R. Krishnakumar), Padma ShriAyurveda Visionary, Educator & Institution Builder A young student once asked him, “Sir, why do you spend so much energy on research and education instead of simply practising Ayurveda?” Dr. P. R. Krishna Kumar replied with quiet conviction, “Ayurveda is not only for those who already believe […]
Ashtavaidyan E. T. Narayanan Mooss, Padma Bhushan
Ashtavaidyan E. T. Narayanan Mooss, Padma BhushanTraditional Ayurvedic Physician & Institution Builder of the Vaidyaratnam Legacy A patient who had travelled a long distance sat before him, weary and uncertain. “Vaidyar, many systems have failed me. Can Ayurveda still help?” Ashtavaidyan E. T. Narayanan Mooss examined him carefully and replied with quiet confidence, “Ayurveda is […]
Dr. Noshir Minoo Shroff (Noshir M. Shroff), Padma Bhushan, Ophthalmologist – Pioneer of Intraocular Lens Implantation & Modern Cataract Surgery
Dr. Noshir Minoo Shroff (Noshir M. Shroff), Padma BhushanOphthalmologist – Pioneer of Intraocular Lens Implantation & Modern Cataract Surgery An elderly patient sat nervously in the consultation room, cataract clouding both eyes. “Doctor, will I really be able to see clearly again after the operation?” Dr. Noshir M. Shroff smiled reassuringly. “Yes. With the new […]
Dr. P. K. Warrier (Panniyampally Krishnankutty Warrier), Padma Bhushan
Dr. P. K. Warrier (Panniyampally Krishnankutty Warrier), Padma BhushanAyurveda Physician, Institution Builder & Doyen of Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala A patient who had come from far away looked at him with a mixture of hope and hesitation. “Vaidyar, I have tried many treatments. Can Ayurveda still help me?” Dr. P. K. Warrier examined him carefully […]
Dr. Ramakanta Panda (R. M. Panda), Padma Bhushan
Dr. Ramakanta Panda (R. M. Panda), Padma BhushanCardiac Surgeon – Pioneer of Safe Bypass Surgery & Founder of Asian Heart Institute A high-risk patient, already told elsewhere that surgery was too dangerous, looked at him anxiously. “Doctor, is there really a chance?” Dr. Ramakanta Panda replied calmly, “Every heart deserves a careful chance. We will […]
Dr. Satya Paul Agarwal, Padma Bhushan
Dr. Satya Paul Agarwal, Padma BhushanNeurosurgeon, Public Health Administrator & Humanitarian Leader In the aftermath of a major disaster, a young relief worker asked him, “Sir, how do we keep going when the needs seem endless?” Dr. Satya Paul Agarwal replied steadily, “We serve one person at a time, with whatever skill and compassion we […]
Dr. B. M. Hegde (Belle Monappa Hegde), Padma Vibhushan
Dr. B. M. Hegde (Belle Monappa Hegde), Padma VibhushanCardiologist, Teacher, Author & Advocate of Holistic Medicine A medical student once asked him after a long lecture, “Sir, is modern medicine enough, or do we need something more?” Dr. B. M. Hegde smiled and replied, “Medicine is not only about drugs and machines. It is about […]
Dr. A. K. Bhalla (Anil Kumar Bhalla), Padma Shri
Dr. A. K. Bhalla (Anil Kumar Bhalla), Padma ShriNephrologist & Pioneer of Peritoneal Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation A patient with advanced kidney failure sat across from him, looking worried. “Doctor, dialysis every few days in hospital is becoming impossible for my family. Is there another way?” Dr. A. K. Bhalla replied gently, “Yes. With peritoneal […]
Dr. A. S. Soin (Arvinder Singh Soin), Padma Shri
Dr. A. S. Soin (Arvinder Singh Soin), Padma ShriLiver Transplant Surgeon – Pioneer of Liver Transplantation in India A desperate family stood before him after being told elsewhere that a transplant was impossible. “Doctor, is there any hope left for our patient?” Dr. A. S. Soin looked at them calmly and said, “In liver transplantation, […]
Dr. J. R. Krishnamurthy (Jalakandapuram Ramaswamy Krishnamurthy), Padma Shri
Dr. J. R. Krishnamurthy (Jalakandapuram Ramaswamy Krishnamurthy), Padma ShriSiddha Physician & Pioneer of Scientific Siddha Medicine A patient suffering from severe psoriasis once asked him, “Doctor, is there really any lasting relief for this condition?” Dr. J. R. Krishnamurthy replied with quiet confidence, “In the ancient wisdom of Siddha there are answers waiting to be […]
Dr. K. K. Aggarwal (Krishan Kumar Aggarwal), Padma Shri
Dr. K. K. Aggarwal (Krishan Kumar Aggarwal), Padma ShriCardiologist, Medical Educator & Public Health Communicator During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, a viewer of one of his daily videos asked, “Doctor, how do we stay calm when everything feels uncertain?” Dr. K. K. Aggarwal replied firmly yet gently, “Facts provide clarity. In a […]
Dr. K. S. Gopinath (Kodaganur S. Gopinath), Padma Shri
Dr. K. S. Gopinath (Kodaganur S. Gopinath), Padma ShriSurgical Oncologist & Pioneer of Multidisciplinary Cancer Care A young patient about to undergo cancer surgery looked anxious. “Doctor, will I be able to live a normal life after this?” Dr. K. S. Gopinath placed a reassuring hand on the patient’s shoulder and said, “Cancer is a […]
Dr. Laxmi Chand Gupta, Padma Shri
Dr. Laxmi Chand Gupta, Padma ShriRadiologist, Sports Medicine Specialist & Prolific Medical Writer A young doctor once asked him, “Sir, how do you find time to write so many books while handling a full medical career?” Dr. Laxmi Chand Gupta smiled and replied, “Knowledge shared is knowledge multiplied. Every book is a way to reach […]
Dr. Philip Augustine, Padma Shri
Dr. Philip Augustine, Padma ShriGastroenterologist, Endoscopist & Hospital Administrator A young doctor once asked him after watching a complex endoscopic procedure, “Sir, how did you decide to stay and build services in a small town instead of moving to a big city?” Dr. Philip Augustine replied thoughtfully, “People need good care wherever they live. If […]
Dr. Rabindra Narain Singh (Rabindra Narayan Singh), Padma Shri
Dr. Rabindra Narain Singh (Rabindra Narayan Singh), Padma ShriOrthopaedic Surgeon & Social Service Leader A patient from a remote village once asked him after free treatment, “Doctor, why do you still come every week to treat people for free after so many years?” Dr. Rabindra Narain Singh replied simply, “My father taught me that knowledge […]
Dr. Vikas Haribhau Mahatme, Padma Shri
Dr. Vikas Haribhau Mahatme, Padma ShriOphthalmologist, Eye Bank Pioneer & Social Entrepreneur A patient who had regained sight after free cataract surgery once asked him, “Doctor, why do you still perform so many free operations even after all these years?” Dr. Vikas Mahatme replied with a smile, “Sight is a gift. When we restore it […]
Vaidyabhooshanam K. Raghavan Thirumulpad, Padma Bhushan
Vaidyabhooshanam K. Raghavan Thirumulpad, Padma BhushanAyurvedic Scholar, Physician, Teacher & Philosopher A young Ayurveda graduate once asked him, “Sir, in today’s world of complex medicines, is simple living still enough to heal?” Raghavan Thirumulpad replied gently, “The greatest medicine is a disciplined life. Wholesome food, sound sleep, moderated desires and regular exercise form the foundation. […]
Dr. Keki Byramjee Grant, Padma Bhushan
Dr. Keki Byramjee Grant, Padma BhushanCardiologist & Founder of Ruby Hall Clinic A young doctor once asked him, “Sir, how did you build a modern hospital from just a few beds?” Dr. Keki Byramjee Grant smiled and replied, “By walking every day to work, treating every patient with the same care, and never stopping the […]
Dr. Indira Hinduja, Padma Shri
Dr. Indira Hinduja, Padma ShriGynaecologist, Obstetrician & Pioneer of IVF in India A young couple struggling with infertility once asked her anxiously, “Doctor, is there really hope for us?” Dr. Indira Hinduja looked at them with quiet confidence and said, “Science has opened new doors. With patience, careful work and the right technique, many couples […]
Dr. Jose Chacko Periappuram, Padma Shri & Padma Bhushan
Dr. Jose Chacko Periappuram, Padma Shri & Padma BhushanCardiothoracic Surgeon & Pioneer of Heart Transplantation in Kerala A patient’s family once asked him after a complex transplant, “Doctor, how do you stay calm when a life hangs on every stitch?” Dr. Jose Chacko Periappuram replied quietly, “Every heart we repair or replace carries someone’s hope. […]
Dr. (Prof.) Mansoor Hasan, Padma Shri
Dr. (Prof.) Mansoor Hasan, Padma ShriCardiologist & Founder of Lari Cardiology Centre A young doctor once asked him, “Sir, why did you work so hard to build a cardiology centre when resources were scarce?” Dr. Mansoor Hasan replied thoughtfully, “I saw poor patients from eastern Uttar Pradesh standing in long queues outside AIIMS in Delhi, […]
Dr. Pukhraj Bafna, Padma Shri
Dr. Pukhraj Bafna, Padma ShriPaediatrician, Adolescent Health Specialist & Champion of Tribal Child Health A young parent from a remote tribal area once asked him, “Doctor, will my child ever get the same care as children in the city?” Dr. Pukhraj Bafna replied warmly, “Every child deserves healthy growth, whether in a village or a […]
Dr. Shyama Prasad Mandal (Shyam Prasad Mandal), Padma Shri
Dr. Shyama Prasad Mandal (Shyam Prasad Mandal), Padma ShriOrthopaedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist A young sportsman recovering from injury once asked him, “Doctor, when can I return to the field at full strength?” Dr. Shyama Prasad Mandal replied with a reassuring smile, “Healing takes time and discipline. We will repair the injury carefully, strengthen […]
Dr. A. Marthanda Pillai, Padma Shri
Dr. A. Marthanda Pillai, Padma ShriNeurosurgeon & Healthcare Leader A young doctor once asked him after a long, complex brain surgery, “Sir, how do you stay so calm when the margin for error is almost zero?” Dr. A. Marthanda Pillai replied steadily, “In neurosurgery every movement must be precise and purposeful. We prepare thoroughly, respect […]
Dr. Madanur Ahmed Ali (M. Ahmed Ali), Padma Shri
Dr. Madanur Ahmed Ali (M. Ahmed Ali), Padma ShriSurgical Gastroenterologist A junior colleague once asked him after a particularly complex abdominal operation, “Sir, how do you remember every anatomical detail so precisely even after decades?” Dr. M. Ahmed Ali smiled and replied, “Surgery is like an art. A good artist never forgets the colours and […]
Dr. Sivapatham Vittal (S. Vittal), Padma Shri
Dr. Sivapatham Vittal (S. Vittal), Padma ShriSurgical Endocrinologist & Father of Surgical Endocrinology in India A young surgeon once asked him, “Sir, why did you choose to specialise in endocrine surgery when few even recognised it as a separate field?” Dr. Sivapatham Vittal replied with quiet conviction, “The glands that control our hormones may be […]
Dr. Kantilal Hastimal Sancheti (K. H. Sancheti), Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan & Padma Vibhushan
Dr. Kantilal Hastimal Sancheti (K. H. Sancheti), Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan & Padma VibhushanOrthopaedic Surgeon, Innovator & Founder of Sancheti Institute A young doctor once asked him, “Sir, why do you keep inventing simpler and cheaper implants when imported ones are already available?” Dr. Kantilal Hastimal Sancheti replied firmly, “Most of our patients cannot afford […]
Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, Padma Shri & Padma Bhushan
Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, Padma Shri & Padma BhushanCardiac Surgeon & Pioneer of Affordable Healthcare A young doctor once asked him, “Sir, how do you perform so many heart surgeries every day and still keep costs so low?” Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty replied with quiet intensity, “A heart does not know if the patient is […]
Dr. Noshir Hormusjee Wadia (N. H. Wadia), Padma Bhushan
Dr. Noshir Hormusjee Wadia (N. H. Wadia), Padma BhushanNeurologist & Founder of Contemporary Indian Neurology A young resident once asked him after a long teaching round, “Sir, why did you leave a promising career in London to return and build neurology from almost nothing here?” Dr. Noshir H. Wadia replied thoughtfully, “The woods are lovely, […]
Dr. Suresh Hariram Advani, Padma Shri & Padma Bhushan
Dr. Suresh Hariram Advani, Padma Shri & Padma BhushanMedical Oncologist & Pioneer of Bone Marrow Transplantation in India A young colleague once asked him, “Sir, how do you stay so positive and keep working with such energy despite everything?” Dr. Suresh H. Advani smiled from his wheelchair and replied, “Polio took away my ability to […]
Dr. J. Hareendran Nair, Padma Shri
Dr. J. Hareendran Nair, Padma ShriAyurveda Physician, Entrepreneur & Founder of Pankajakasthuri A young entrepreneur once asked him, “Doctor, why did you leave a secure government job to start manufacturing Ayurvedic medicines on your own?” Dr. J. Hareendran Nair replied simply, “My only agenda is the popularisation of Ayurveda as an effective and economical mode […]
Dr. Jitendra Kumar Singh, Padma Shri
Dr. Jitendra Kumar Singh, Padma ShriOncologist & Radiation Specialist A young doctor once asked him, “Sir, why do you keep organising cancer awareness camps in villages when the hospital is already overflowing with patients?” Dr. Jitendra Kumar Singh replied firmly, “One-third of cancers are preventable, another one-third can be cured if detected early, and the […]
Dr. Jugal Kishore, Padma Shri
Dr. Jugal Kishore, Padma ShriHomeopathic Physician & Pioneer of Institutional Homoeopathy A young student once asked him, “Sir, you were preparing for the Indian Civil Service. Why did you give that up to become a homeopath?” Dr. Jugal Kishore smiled and replied, “I fell seriously ill and was bedridden for more than a year. Homoeopathy […]
Dr. Mukesh Batra, Padma Shri
Dr. Mukesh Batra, Padma ShriHomeopath, Entrepreneur & Founder of Dr Batra’s A young doctor once asked him, “Sir, how did you turn a single clinic into the world’s largest chain of homeopathy clinics?” Dr. Mukesh Batra replied with a smile, “In the early days people did not take homeopathy seriously. I had to borrow money […]
Dr. Nitya Anand, Padma Shri
Dr. Nitya Anand, Padma ShriMedicinal Chemist & Pioneer of Indigenous Drug Discovery A young researcher once asked him, “Sir, why did you devote so many years to developing a non-hormonal contraceptive when hormonal pills already existed?” Dr. Nitya Anand replied thoughtfully, “Hormonal contraceptives work, but they are not suitable for every woman and can have […]
Dr. Shrinivas S. Vaishya (Sriniwas S. Vaishya), Padma Shri
Dr. Shrinivas S. Vaishya (Sriniwas S. Vaishya), Padma ShriPhysician & Public Health Administrator A young officer once asked him, “Sir, how did you transform the health services of a small Union Territory that had almost nothing after liberation?” Dr. Shrinivas S. Vaishya replied quietly, “When I started, facilities were minimal. We had to build everything […]
Dr. V. Mohan, Padma Shri
Dr. V. Mohan, Padma ShriDiabetologist, Researcher & Founder of Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre A young doctor once asked him, “Sir, how do you manage to treat so many patients and still publish hundreds of research papers?” Dr. V. Mohan replied with a smile, “Diabetes is not just a clinical problem — it is a […]
Dr. V. S. Natarajan (Vallalarpuram Sennimalai Natarajan), Padma Shri
Dr. V. S. Natarajan (Vallalarpuram Sennimalai Natarajan), Padma ShriGeriatric Physician & Father of Geriatric Medicine in India A young colleague once asked him, “Sir, why did you choose to specialise in the care of the elderly when most doctors preferred other fields?” Dr. V. S. Natarajan replied thoughtfully, “The elderly need specialised attention — their […]
![When clouds catch the first light [explored 2026/09/14]](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55525406599_a66be29318_s.jpg "When clouds catch the first light [explored 2026/09/14]")
deemagclinic
deemag and chest clinic 