Prof. M.S. Valiathan, an eminent cardiac surgeon, the founder Director of Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology, Thiruvananthapuram and the first Vice Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 9:14 PM in Manipal at the age of 90. The SBAOI pays homage to his memory and remembers his distinguished contributions to the growth of SBAOI with gratitude. He was an esteemed member of SBAOI and a Fellow of Biomaterials Science and Engineering (FBSE – IUSBSE).
Valiathan served on the faculty of the Georgetown University Hospital, PGIMER, IIT Madras and as the founder director of SCTIMST (1979-1994). Subsequently, Valiathan became the first Vice-Chancellor of Manipal University in 1994. He served as the President of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA, 2002-2004) and National Research Professor (till 2006). Valiathan received the highest civilian honours of India, the Padma Shri (1985), Padma Bhushan (1990) and Padma Vibhushan (2005), for exceptional and distinguished services to medicine and health technology in India. He was made a Chevalier in the Ordre des Palmes académiques, an honour bestowed by France, in 1999. He received the Dr. Samuel P. Asper International Award from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in 2009 for his contributions to international medical education.
Professor Valiathan’s remarkable career included significant contributions to cardiac surgery and medical technology. He was a proud alumnus of the Medical College Trivandrum and held fellowships from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, England, and Canada. The multidisciplinary team at the SCTIMST led by Valiathan developed the first Indian tilting disc heart valve, a vascular graft and a series of disposable devices such as blood bags, oxygenators and cardiotomy reservoirs, which are in commercial production that laid the foundation for India’s medical devices industry.
He has also pioneered several scientific studies in the field of Ayurveda and authored several books on the subject. Valiathan had observed, “At this time there is no common ground where physicists, chemists, immunologists and molecular biologists can interact with Ayurvedic physicians. Ayurveda is not only the mother of medicine but also of all life sciences in India. Despite this, science has been completely divorced from Ayurveda… But these are the interdisciplinary areas where advances will take place”. He has authored several books on Ayurveda including “The Legacy of Caraka”.
Society for Biomaterials and Artificial Organs (SBAOI) extends our condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. His legacy of excellence and dedication to medical innovation, scholarly achievements and education will continue to inspire us all.
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Very sad news.
Prof. Valiathan was an inspiration to all of us. He was responsible for building this institute and starting Biomedical Technology Wing. This initiated the medical devices development in India. Nation will always be grateful for providing strength in the emergence of medical technology in India.
I am personally very sad because he is responsible to provide me the job and brining me to India.
May his soul rest in peace and may God provide strength to his family to bear this loss.
An Era has ended.
Om Shanti!
Dr. Chandra P. Sharma