Chennai, 4th July, 2017:Dr. K R Balakrishnan, the renowned cardiothoracic & transplant surgeon from Fortis Malar Hospital in Chennai, was honoured with Best Medical Practitioner’s Award, 2017 by the Tamil Nadu government. The honour was bestowed for his outstanding contribution in the field of cardiac transplant in the country. In an event held recently at Omandurar Estate, the honourable Health Minister of Tamil Nadu Shri C. Vijayabaskar presented a medal, a certificate and a cheque of Rs 50,000 to Dr Balakrishnan.
The award was instituted to award best doctors belonging to various specialties across the state on the eve of National Doctor’s Day. As many as 12 doctors were honoured at the function. It is to be noted that Dr Balakrishnan is a pioneer in the field of heart transplant in the country with more than 160 heart transplants to his credit. With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. K R Balakrishnan is an acknowledged expert in the management of end- stage heart failure and credited with India’s First LVAD and HVAD pump implant as destination therapy. He is instrumental in starting India’s First Comprehensive Centre for Heart Failure Management at Fortis Malar Hospital, Chennai. He is also actively engaged with various institutions to develop Pulsatile and continuous flow LVADs (Left Ventricular Assist Device) and molecular biology of ventricular hypertrophy.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. K R Balakrishnan, Director – Cardiac Sciences, Fortis Centre for Heart Failure & Transplant, said “It is indeed an honour to be recognized for a cause that is very close to my heart. Organ donation is one of the most important aspects to save and enrich lives today. It has been our constant endeavour to make people aware about the benefits of organ donation. I humbly accept this honour on behalf of my patients, selfless donor families and my team who steadfast support has been instrumental in the promotion of organ donation.”
The award ceremony saw a total of 12 doctors honoured. It also witnessed recognition of around 165 doctors who are working for family welfare department.
About Fortis Healthcare Limited: Fortis Healthcare Limited is a leading integrated healthcare delivery service provider in India. The healthcare verticals of the company primarily comprise hospitals, diagnostics and day care specialty facilities. Currently, the company operates its healthcare delivery services in India, Dubai, Mauritius and Sri Lanka with 45 healthcare facilities (including projects under development), approximately 10,000 potential beds and over 356 diagnostic centres.
About Fortis Malar Hospital: Fortis Malar Hospital was acquired by Fortis Healthcare (India) Limited in early 2008. The hospital founded in 1992, is established as one of the largest corporate hospitals in Chennai providing quality super specialty and multi-specialty healthcare services. Fortis Malar Hospitals, with 180 beds, focuses on providing comprehensive medical care in the areas of Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Neuro Surgery, Gynaecology, Orthopaedics, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Paediatrics, Diabetics, Nephrology and Internal Medicine. Fortis Malar Hospital has a state of the art Cath Lab and multiple dedicated cardiac operation theatres and intensive coronary care units. Several rare and complex Adult and Paediatric Cardiac surgeries, Orthopedic and Joint replacements, Neurosurgeries and Plastic reconstruction surgeries have been performed at this hospital.
