Alappuzha – The Ayurveda Medical Association of India (AMAI) has announced that Dr A Sainulabdeen, a veteran practitioner from Kayamkulam, Alappuzha, and also an important name in Ayurveda practice in the state, has been selected for the prestigious ‘Bhishak Ratna’ Award for 2026. The accolade, which is considered the highest honour granted by the association, includes a cash prize of Rs 30,000 and will be formally presented during the upcoming AMAI State Conference.

The award committee, chaired by Dr V.G. Udayakumar and convened by Dr Ittoop J. Ancheril, stated that Dr Sainulabdeen was chosen for his exceptional clinical excellence, unwavering commitment to public service, and his pioneering contributions to modern Ayurvedic approaches.

A native of Kottukulangara, Dr Sainulabdeen has had a distinguished career in the public health sector. He previously served as an Assistant Insurance Medical Officer (AIMO) and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) within the ESI (Employees’ State Insurance) Department. Following his retirement from government service, he has continued his mission through the Kalathil Ayurveda Hospital and Manufacturing unit along with his family, where he balances traditional wisdom with contemporary medical needs.

Affectionately known among his peers as the “ECG Man,” Dr Sainulabdeen has earned a reputation for his deep technical expertise. Colleagues often remark on his selfless nature, noting that he never hesitates to clarify complex diagnostic doubts for younger doctors. This dedication to mentoring the next generation was a significant factor in his selection for the Bhishak Ratna.

The award also recognises Dr Sainulabdeen’s extensive work in social health and community welfare. He has been a stalwart in the field of palliative care, often intervening in emergency situations to provide relief to the underprivileged.

Dr Srijith Suran, a close associate, paid tribute to the veteran physician’s character, describing him as a doctor who remains accessible to his patients even in the “dead of night.”

“This award is a true recognition of his selfless service,” Dr Suran noted. “Whether it is supporting colleagues in discussing complex cases or providing a comforting presence to the suffering, his humanitarian spirit remains his greatest strength.”

Interestingly, Dr Sainulabdeen comes from a renowned family with a long-standing tradition in Bala Chikitsa (traditional Ayurvedic paediatrics). While he remains rooted in these ancestral practices, he has been lauded for his willingness to adapt and share new treatment methodologies, ensuring that Ayurveda remains a relevant and robust system of medicine in the 21st century.