Remembering Dr. M S Valiathan: A Pioneer in Cardiac Surgery and Ayurvedic Integration

Renowned cardiologist Dr. M S Valiathan passed away at Manipal in Karnataka on Wednesday night, according to government sources. He was 90 years old. Valiathan was the founding director of the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology in Thiruvananthapuram and the first Vice Chancellor of Manipal University.

He played a pivotal role in developing low-cost prosthetic valves, disposable blood bags, and oxygenators, and in integrating traditional and modern medical treatment systems. Leaders from across the political spectrum offered their condolences on Valiathan’s passing, recognizing him as one of the country’s greatest cardiac surgeons.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that Valiathan was Kerala’s greatest contribution to the world of medicine. He praised Valiathan for pioneering the integration of traditional and modern medical treatment systems and for his efforts to study and research Ayurvedic medicine while also having knowledge of modern medicine.

The chief minister also highlighted Valiathan’s significant contributions to the Sree Chitra Institute and his distinguished works on Ayurveda, aimed at making the potential of Ayurveda understandable to the general public.

“The chief minister mentioned that apart from receiving the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awards, he has also been recognized in America and France,” said the chief minister. Jairam Ramesh, a senior Congress leader, described Valiathan as one of India’s greatest cardiac surgeons.

Ramesh stated that the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology in Thiruvananthapuram and the Manipal Academy of Higher Education are two institutions that are a tribute to his vision and contributions.

Ramesh also added that in later years, Valiathan devoted himself to advancing the scientific foundations of Ayurveda and wrote a very valuable book called ‘The Legacy of Caraka’.

Ramesh noted that Valiathan came to Ayurveda from the field of modern science and believed that the two can and must be made to converge.