World famous heart surgeon Dr. M.S. Valyathan (90) passed away,last night (Wednesday) in Manipal.
“Professor Marthanda Varma Sankaran Valyathan, Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons and ex-President of the Indian National Science Academy, is a reputed cardiac surgeon who has made original contributions to cardiology and the development of medical technology”.
He was born in Mavelikara, Kerala in 1934 as the son of Marthanda Varma and Janakiamma, and educated in government school in Mavelikara, Kerala University, and Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. After graduation, Dr. M.S. Valyathan entered the field of volunteer service at the University of Liverpool. He graduated with a Master’s in Surgery from the University.
After further training in cardiac surgery at Johns Hopkins, George Washington, and Georgetown University Hospitals,he returned to India in 1972.
Then Chief Minister of Kerala Sri. C. Achutha Menon, invited him to start the Sreechithira Tirunal Institute of Medical Scienceswhich is the pride of the entire country now.
He was the founding director of Sreechithira Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences and the first VC of Manipal University.
The artificial heart valve developed at Sreechitra under the leadership of Valiyathan has been implanted in more than one lakh patients. He was pivotal in developing low-cost prosthetic valves, disposable blood bags, and oxygenators and integrating traditional and modern medical treatment procedures with Ayurvedic practices.
He was also constantly talking about the integration of Ayurveda and Allopathy. Approaching Ayurvedic thought with the insights of modern medicine, he authored three magnum opus that present the epistemological dignity of Charaka, Susruta and Vagbhata.
In 2005, the country honored him with the Padma Vibhushan for his contribution to the healthcare sector in India, and outside the country.
He received many honorary degrees, fellowships and awards.
