Renowned cardiac surgeon Dr K M Cherian, a pioneer in Indian medical history, passed away on Saturday night in Bengaluru at the age of 82. He was in the city to attend a wedding when he suddenly collapsed. His daughter, Sandhya Cherian, confirmed that he was rushed to Manipal Hospitals, where he was announced dead at 11:55 pm.
According to media reports, Dr. Cherian's funeral is scheduled to take place on Thursday.
Dr K M Cherian, pioneer Cardiac Surgeon, institute builder, died on 25th Jan, 2025. His autobiography “Just an Instrument” was launched at Kozhikode recently. He was chief guest at our conference in 2016. Travel well sir. @KeralaLitFest @MilanChag @MarengoCIMS @kmcherian pic.twitter.com/fHirWYymHO
— Shaunak Shah (@shaunakbshah) January 26, 2025
Historic contribution
Dr. Cherian's contributions to the field of cardiac surgery are monumental. He made history in 1975 by becoming the first surgeon in India to successfully perform a coronary artery bypass surgery, paving the way for advancements in the field. Over the years, he gained recognition not only in India but also internationally for his expertise and dedication.
Renowned cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. K.M. Cherian, who installed the statue of the great Sushruta at the Royal Australia College of Surgeons in Melbourne, has passed away. A heartfelt tribute to Dr. Cherian, a visionary who took immense pride in the rich heritage of his homeland. pic.twitter.com/zLhd59IbJU
— Ganesh Radhakrishnan (@gkmadathil) January 26, 2025
He was the Founder, Vice President, and Director of the Madras Medical Mission (MMM) in Chennai, a leading healthcare institution specialising in cardiac care.
Dr. Cherian was also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine in London and an Honorary Member of the Malaysian Association for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. His commitment to excellence earned him the prestigious Padma Shri award from the Government of India in 1991 for his invaluable contributions to medicine.
We deeply mourn the loss of our beloved director, Dr. K. M. Cherian, whose vision, compassion and leadership built Dr. KM Cherian Institute of Medical Sciences into what it is today. His legacy will forever live on and continue to inspire us.#drkmcherian #KMCHospitalChengannur pic.twitter.com/sdGNgV3aUX
— Dr. KM Cherian Institute of Medical Sciences (@kmcims) January 26, 2025
Just a day before his untimely demise, Dr. Cherian had attended the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode. During his interaction at the event, he emphasised the importance of doctors treating every patient like a family member. His insights and experiences left an enduring impression on the audience, showcasing his dedication to ethical medical practices.