National Doctor’s Day, observed every year on July 1, gives us an opportunity to thank those healers who dedicate their lives to saving millions of people. In the history of Indian medical science, Punjab’s contribution has been remarkable. Great doctors from this land earned respect not only in India but across the world through their research and service. These medical icons from Punjab, honoured by the Government of India with Padma Awards, established new milestones in the field of medicine. On this special day, let us know about the inspiring journeys of these great personalities.
Prof. (Dr.) Jasbir Singh Bajaj – Winner of All Three Padma Awards
Dr. Jasbir Singh Bajaj is among the rare Indian doctors who were honoured with all three Padma Awards — Padma Shri in 1981, Padma Bhushan in 1982 and Padma Vibhushan in 2009 — for his outstanding contribution to medicine and research. He also served as Honorary Physician to the President of India and as a member of the Planning Commission. In addition, he was also the Principal Consultant Physician to the Prime Minister. He served for a long time at AIIMS Delhi as professor and head of department. His entire life was dedicated to medical education and research, and his contribution gave direction to medical education institutions across the country.
Dr. Kirpal Singh Chugh – Father of Indian Nephrology
Dr. Kirpal Singh Chugh is known as the “Father of Nephrology” in India. He established the country’s first super-specialty department of nephrology at PGIMER, Chandigarh, and also started the first nephrology super-specialty course in 1969. For his tireless service in the field of medicine, he was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2000.
Dr. Arvinder Singh Soin – Expert in Liver Transplantation
Honoured with the Padma Shri in 2010, Dr. Arvinder Singh Soin is regarded as a pioneer of liver transplantation in India. Under his leadership, some of the highest numbers of successful liver transplants have been performed in the country, helping India become a major global centre for liver surgery.
Dr. Ashok Seth – A Healer of Heart Patients
A major name in cardiology, Dr. Ashok Seth was honoured by the Government of India with the Padma Shri in 2003 and the Padma Bhushan in 2015. He has performed more than 50,000 angiograms and over 20,000 angioplasties, a record listed in the Limca Book of Records. He introduced several advanced angioplasty techniques for the first time in India and Asia.
Dr. Purshottam Lal Wahi – A Guide in Cardiology
Former PGIMER Chandigarh Director Dr. P. L. Wahi gave a new direction to the treatment, education and research of heart diseases in India. For his contribution to medicine, he was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1983.
Dr. Pran Nath Chhuttani – Builder of Health Institutions
Dr. P. N. Chhuttani was one of the pioneering founders and among the most renowned directors of PGIMER Chandigarh. He played a key role in taking the institute’s research work to an international level. For his great achievements in the field of medicine, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 1972.
Dr. Jagjit Singh Chopra – Pioneer of Neurology
Dr. Jagjit Singh Chopra made a major contribution to the field of neurology in India. As the founder and head of the Department of Neurology at PGIMER Chandigarh, he trained many of the country’s finest neurologists. In 2008, he received the Padma Bhushan for his exceptional research and tireless service in medicine and medical education.
Dr. Kewal Krishan Talwar – Expert in Pacemakers and Modern Cardiac Technology
Former AIIMS chief and former director and head at PGIMER Chandigarh, Dr. K. K. Talwar introduced the Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator technology for the first time in India and South Asia. This device helps stabilise heart rhythm. In 2006, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan.
Dr. Jagat Ram – Protector of Vision
Former PGIMER Director and renowned eye specialist Dr. Jagat Ram received the Padma Shri in 2019. He carried out several innovations in pediatric cataract surgery and restored the eyesight of thousands of poor and needy patients free of cost through numerous free medical camps.
Dr. Digambar Behera – Expert in Pulmonology and TB
Internationally recognised in the field of pulmonology and lung diseases, and former Dean of PGIMER Chandigarh, Dr. Digambar Behera was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2020 for his outstanding contribution to medicine. His efforts toward TB elimination in India and the treatment of lung cancer have given a new direction to the country’s medical field.
Dr. Mukut Minz – Pioneer Kidney Transplant Surgeon
Dr. Mukut Minz took transplant surgery, especially the kidney transplant programme at PGIMER Chandigarh, to great heights. In recognition of his medical services, he was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2017.
Dr. Amrit Tewari – Pillar of Dental Science
Punjab and PGIMER Chandigarh have also given the country great doctors in dental science. Dr. Amrit Tewari, Padma Shri awardee in 1992, worked for many years in oral health and community dentistry and earned international recognition.
Dr. Harpinder Singh Chawla – Pediatric Dentist
Similarly, Dr. Harpinder Singh Chawla, Padma Shri awardee in 2007, set new standards in research and service in the field of pediatric dentistry.
On this special occasion of National Doctor’s Day, it is our duty to bow in respect to the extraordinary services of these great Padma award-winning doctors from Punjab. These healers not only saved countless precious lives, but also built strong institutions of medical education and research that continue to serve humanity even today. Their hard work, sacrifice and spirit of service will always inspire every Indian and every Punjabi to do good work.
Leave a Comment