Renowned Cardiac Surgeon Dr MS Valiathan Dies At 90 (image-X/ShashiTharoor)
Famous Indian cardiac surgeon Dr. Marthanda Varma Sankaran Valiathan passed away at the age of 90 in Manipal on Thursday. He served as a former president of the Indian National Science Academy and a National Research Professor.
Born in Mavelikkara, Alappuzha, on May 24, 1934, Dr. Valiathan was awarded Padma Bhushan, India’s second highest civilian award, in 2005 for his immense contributions and innovations in the Indian medical field.
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He has also served as the former Vice-Chancellor of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). As a founder-cum-director, Dr. Valiathan has been instrumental in elevating the Sree Chithira Thirunal Institute of Medical Sciences & Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, to national repute.
Dr. Valiathan is known for his significant efforts in designing cost-effective heart valves for the general public. Developed at the Sree Chithira Thirunal Institute, the heart valve received immense commercial success and has been recognised globally for both its quality and affordability.
After completing his degree from the University of Kerala in 1956, he pursued his post-graduation in surgery at the University of Liverpool in the UK. He later underwent specialised training in cardiac surgery at the prestigious Johns Hopkins and Georgetown University hospitals in the US.
Recognising his outstanding contributions in the field of medicine, the French government bestowed Dr. Valiathan with the title of Chevalier in the Ordre des Palmes Academiques in 1999. Notably, he was also awarded the Dr. Samuel P. Asper International Award from the Johns Hopkins University Medical School in 2009.
Condolences poured in from Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Shashi Tharoor who highlighted his career achievements as a surgeon in the medical and healthcare sector of India.
