Dr MS Valiathan, a luminary in Indian medicine and academia, passed away on July 17 at 90 in Manipal. Born in 1934 in Mavelikara, Kerala, he embarked on a distinguished career that spanned pioneering medical innovations and transformative educational leadership.
Dr. Valiathan was a member of the inaugural class of Government Medical College Thiruvananthapuram and earned fellowships from prestigious institutions such as the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, England, and Canada. His tenure as Chairperson of the Indian Academy of Sciences and Vice-Chancellor of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education from 1993 to 1999 accentuated his commitment to advancing medical education and research in India.
A pivotal achievement in his career was founding the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Science, where he served as the institute's first director. Under his stewardship, the institute swiftly became a centre of excellence in treating cardiovascular and neurological disorders. Dr. Valiathan's innovative spirit was evident in his development of critical medical devices like the disposable blood bag and the tilting disc heart valve, significantly enhancing healthcare delivery in India.
His contributions were widely recognized with accolades such as the Padma Vibhushan and Padma Shri. Beyond awards, his enduring legacy lies in his profound impact on medical education and healthcare accessibility in India, setting benchmarks that inspire future medical professionals and researchers.