Dr MS Valiasan, a luminary in medicine known for his pioneering work in cardiac surgery and Ayurvedic medicine, passed away on Wednesday evening in Maniparat at the age of 90. He left behind a legacy of medical innovations and academic achievements that have had a profound impact on healthcare in India and abroad.
Born in Kerala in 1934 to Marthanda Varma and Janakiamma, Dr. Valiathan did his schooling at the University of Kerala, Mavelikara Public School, before commencing his medical studies at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. After completing his MBBS, he went on to do his higher education in surgery at the University of Liverpool and further developed his expertise in cardiac surgery at renowned hospitals in the US.
Dr MS Valiathan returned to India in 1972 on a special invitation from the then Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr C Achuthamenon. His career began to soar when he became the first Director of the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Research, Thiruvananthapuram. Under his leadership, the institute grew into a premier centre of medical research and treatment, with particular excellence in cardiovascular care.
One of Dr. Valiathan’s most notable contributions is in the field of artificial heart valves. He successfully implemented local manufacturing of these valves at Srichitra, significantly reducing the cost and making this life-saving technology available to thousands of people across the country. His efforts revolutionized cardiac care in India, with over 100,000 patients benefiting from these indigenously manufactured valves. He laid emphasis on developing cost-effective and innovative medical technologies aimed at solving critical health problems of the common man. Under his leadership, blood bags were manufactured and widely distributed. He was instrumental in developing Srichitra Institute into one of the country’s premier institutes in the field of therapeutic research, within two decades.
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to healthcare, Dr. Valiasan was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second highest civilian award, in 2005. Throughout his career, he advocated for the integration of Ayurveda and allopathic medicine, bridging traditional wisdom with modern scientific approaches.
Apart from his achievements in surgery, Dr. Valiasan was a prolific author and researcher with a focus on Ayurvedic medicine. His research, which included translations of ancient texts into Malayalam and scholarly works on Ayurvedic principles, contributed to the preservation and development of traditional Indian medical knowledge. His research on the Ayurvedic tradition, supported by a Senior Fellowship from the Homi Bhabha Council, is one of the finest research works in the field. He authored three outstanding works related to Ayurvedic science: The Legacy of Charaka, The Legacy of Sushruta and The Legacy of Vagbhata. These works aim to make Ayurveda understandable to the general public. These texts explore the epistemological significance of Charaka, Sushruta and Vagbhata while blending Ayurvedic insights with the perspective of modern medicine.
Dr. Valiasan served as the first Vice Chancellor of Manipal University, further cementing his reputation as a visionary leader in education and healthcare administration. His work at Manipal expanded medical education and research, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students and healthcare professionals.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Valiasan received numerous accolades and honours, both in India and abroad, for his immense contributions to medicine and medical education. His dedication to improving healthcare infrastructure and advancing medical technologies has left an indelible mark on the Indian medical community.
Dr. Valiasan continued his academic pursuits in his later years and remained actively involved in medical research, especially Ayurvedic research. He played a key role in developing the concept of the International Centre for Ayurvedic Research, Kannur. Dr. MS Valiasan’s passing is mourned not only by the medical community but also by the countless people whose lives he touched through his compassion, expertise and dedication to healing. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of medical professionals and researchers who strive for excellence and innovation in the pursuit of better health for all.
