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Pune, 9th October 2024: The cardiac surgical fraternity of Pune is in deep mourning following the passing of Padma Bhushan Dr. P. Venugopal, former director of AIIMS, who died yesterday at the age of 82. A towering figure in Indian cardiac surgery, Dr. Venugopal was instrumental in conducting the country’s first heart transplant and revolutionizing cardiac care in India.
Dr. Venugopal’s contributions to medicine are landmark achievements. He played a pivotal role in founding the Cardiothoracic Sciences Centre at AIIMS, which became the site of India’s first heart transplant surgery and Asia’s first Left Ventricular Assist Device implantation. Together with Dr. N. Gopinath, he introduced open-heart surgery at AIIMS, helping to elevate the institute as a leading center for cardiac care. His influence extended beyond AIIMS, significantly impacting the establishment of the Sri Sathya Sai Super Specialty Hospitals in Whitefield and Puttaparthi.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Venugopal performed more than 50,000 heart surgeries and trained numerous cardiac surgeons, perfusionists, and nurses. His personal dedication to his patients was unmatched; he often checked on their condition late at night in the ICU. His commitment to excellence and compassion continues to inspire countless individuals who follow in his footsteps.
In 2023, Dr. Venugopal published his memoir, Heartfelt: A Cardiac Surgeon’s Pioneering Journey, co-authored with his wife, Priya Sarkar. The book provides an intimate look at his life’s work and contributions to cardiac care, serving as a testament to his pioneering spirit and lasting legacy.
Dr. Venugopal also played a critical role in the passage of the Organ Transplant Bill in 1994, which legalized organ transplants in India. Just three months after the Bill passed, he led the team that performed India’s first successful heart transplant on August 3, 1994—a date now commemorated as Heart Transplant Day. Over his career, he completed 26 heart transplants, solidifying his status as a trailblazer in organ transplantation.
His leadership at AIIMS included several key positions, such as Professor and Head of the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS), Chief of the CN Centre, Dean, and Director. His exceptional service earned him numerous accolades, including the Padma Bhushan in 1998, the Dr. B. C. Roy Award, and the AIIMS Lifetime Achievement Award for service to humanity in 2014.
Dr. Venugopal’s passing marks a significant loss to the medical community. His vision, resilience, and leadership helped elevate cardiac surgery in India to global standards. Many lives were touched not just by his surgical expertise, but also by his mentorship, shaping the careers of countless surgeons.
Dr. Manoj Durairaj, President of the Indian Association of Cardiovascular-Thoracic Surgeons, expressed his sentiments, stating, “I consider myself one of the fortunate few who have been trained under the eagle eyes of Prof. Venugopal. Sir was called ‘Chief’ by all of us. For me and countless cardiac surgeons across the globe, he was the Guru of Gurus.”
“The greatness of a person is defined by the leaders they produce, and Dr. Venugopal’s influence can be seen in the thriving field of cardiac surgery in India today. Time will remain a testimony to his remarkable achievements, and he will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of all those who knew him.”
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