THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, JULY 18 :  Renowned cardiac surgeon and the founder-director of Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) Dr. Marthanda Varma Sankaran Valiathan (90) has passed away in Manipal.

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Leader of Opposition in State Assembly VD Satheesan condoled the demise of M.S Valiathan who passed away on Wednesday at 9.14 PM.

He was awarded the Padma Vibushan in 2005 for his contributions to health technology in India. He was made a Chevalier in the Ordre des Palmes Académiques, an honour bestowed by the French Government, in 1999.

He received the Dr. Samuel P. Asper International Award from the Johns Hopkins University Medical School in 2009 for his contributions to international medical education.

In a message, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) expressed profound grief at the passing away of Dr. M S Valiathan, a distinguished cardiac surgeon, highly accomplished academic and builder of institutions.
“Prof. Valiathan made outstanding contributions to cardiac surgery and development of medical technology in India. A builder of institutions, he played a pioneering role in promoting research and development in high-end medical technology, from which the country has benefited immensely,” RGCB Director Prof Chandrabhas Narayana said in a condolence message.

Prof Valiathan’s path-breaking work in developing medical devices such as the disposable blood bag and the tilting disc heart valve marked a paradigm shift in cardiac treatment and surgery in the country, besides laying the foundation for India’s medical devices industry, he said.

“A visionary Known for total dedication, hard work and pragmatism throughout his long career, Prof Valiathan had been a source of inspiration for the scientific community in India. An accomplished team leader, Prof Valiathan has pioneered many trail-blazing researches in his field as helmsman of various institutions including Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), he said, recalling the RGCB’s close association with him.

Recipient of top honours including the Padma Vibhushan and the Dr. B. C. Roy National Award, Prof Valiathan will continue to be a role model for the scientific community, especially for the medical practitioners and researchers, he noted.

“Scientists, researchers and employees at RGCB are deeply saddened by the passing away of the stalwart of Indian medical science. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues and friends of Prof. Valiathan,” Prof. Narayana added.