Renowned cardiac surgeon Dr K M Cherian, a pioneer in Indian medical history, passed away on Saturday night in Bengaluru at the age of 82. He was in the city to attend a wedding when he suddenly collapsed. His daughter, Sandhya Cherian, confirmed that he was rushed to Manipal Hospitals, where he was announced dead at 11:55 pm.
According to media reports, Dr. Cherian's funeral is scheduled to take place on Thursday.
Historic contribution
Dr. Cherian's contributions to the field of cardiac surgery are monumental. He made history in 1975 by becoming the first surgeon in India to successfully perform a coronary artery bypass surgery, paving the way for advancements in the field. Over the years, he gained recognition not only in India but also internationally for his expertise and dedication.
He was the Founder, Vice President, and Director of the Madras Medical Mission (MMM) in Chennai, a leading healthcare institution specialising in cardiac care.
Dr. Cherian was also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine in London and an Honorary Member of the Malaysian Association for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. His commitment to excellence earned him the prestigious Padma Shri award from the Government of India in 1991 for his invaluable contributions to medicine.
Just a day before his untimely demise, Dr. Cherian had attended the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode. During his interaction at the event, he emphasised the importance of doctors treating every patient like a family member. His insights and experiences left an enduring impression on the audience, showcasing his dedication to ethical medical practices.
