Padma Awards 2026: 2 Padma Bhushans and 12 Padma Shris Announced in Medicine Category
The Government of India has conferred the prestigious Padma Bhushan, the country’s third-highest civilian award, upon two stalwarts of medicine for the year 2026: Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu (Radiation Oncology) and Dr. K. Ramasamy Palaniswamy (Gastroenterology), And Padma Shri to 13 individuals for contributing in the field of medicine.
Doctor Awarded Padma Bhushan (2026)
Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu, an Indian-American radiation oncologist, is globally renowned for his pioneering work in Brachytherapy (internal radiation therapy). A medical graduate from Kurnool and Osmania Medical College, Dr. Nori has treated top Indian leaders and dignitaries in the US. He currently serves as an advisor to the Telangana government, helping design the state’s comprehensive cancer care roadmap. This honor recognizes his bridge-building role in bringing advanced cancer treatment protocols from the West to India.
Dr. K.R. Palaniswamy, a veteran Gastroenterologist from Tamil Nadu, is a revered teacher and Senior Consultant at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai. Known as a “teacher of teachers,” he was instrumental in establishing the Department of Gastroenterology at Stanley Medical College. A former President of the Indian Society of Gastroenterology, Dr. Palaniswamy is celebrated not just for his clinical acumen but for training generations of gastro-specialists across South India.
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Doctors Awarded Padma Shri (2026)
Dr. Ramchandra Godbole & Smt. Suneeta Godbole (Chhattisgarh): A dedicated doctor couple who have spent nearly 40 years providing free healthcare to tribals in the Naxal-affected Abujhmad forests.
Dr. Armida Fernandez (Maharashtra): Neonatologist; founder of Asia’s first Human Milk Bank.
Dr. Guduru Venkat Rao (Telangana): Surgical Gastroenterologist; known for complex GI surgeries and rural outreach.
Dr. P. Vijay Anand Reddy (Telangana): Oncologist; Director of Apollo Cancer Hospital and founder of CURE Foundation.
Dr. Shyam Sundar (Uttar Pradesh): Scientist/Doctor; developed the breakthrough cure for Kala-azar (Black Fever).
Dr. Suresh Hanagavadi (Karnataka): Pathologist; a hemophiliac himself who fights for affordable care for other hemophilia patients.
Dr. Prateek Sharma (USA/NRI): Gastroenterologist; global expert on Barrett’s Esophagus and cancer prevention.
Dr. Punniamurthy Natesan (Tamil Nadu): Veterinary Doctor; pioneer of “Ethno-veterinary medicine” (herbal cures for livestock).
Dr. Kewal Krishan Thakral (Uttar Pradesh): Ayurveda Practitioner; expert in ancient surgical techniques like “Karna Vedhan” for asthma.
Dr. Padma Gurmet (Ladakh): Sowa-Rigpa (Tibetan Medicine) practitioner; working to preserve this ancient Himalayan healing system.
Dr. H.V. Hande (Tamil Nadu): A veteran geriatrician and former Health Minister of Tamil Nadu, known for offering low-cost medical services to the poor for decades.
Dr. Saroj Mandal (West Bengal): A specialized doctor (often associated with rural service/traditional practice in Bengal – verifying specifics recommended for detailed profile).
