Top Medicine Heroes Honored with Padma Awards in 2025
Padma Awards in Medicine 2025:The Union government’s release of the 2025 Padma Awards list has brought recognition to remarkable contributions across various fields, including medicine. Approved by President Droupadi Murmu, the list comprises 139 honorees, with 7 recipients of the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, 19 of the Padma Bhushan, and 113 of the Padma Shri.
The medical fraternity celebrated these accolades, highlighting stories of dedication, innovation, and humanity. Here are the top medicine heroes who have been honored this year.
In the field of medicine, Dr. D Nageshwar Reddy was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, one recipient received the Padma Bhushan, and eight individuals were awarded the Padma Shri in 2025.
1. Dr. D Nageshwar Reddy - Padma Vibhushan
Dr. D Nageshwar Reddy, the chairman of AIG Hospitals, was conferred the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honor, for his exceptional contributions to gastroenterology. A pioneer in the field, Dr. Reddy has earned widespread recognition for revolutionizing medical care in India, particularly in the realm of digestive health. With this prestigious honor, Dr. Reddy became the first Indian medical doctor to receive all three Padma awards: Padma Shri in 2002, Padma Bhushan in 2016, and now, the Padma Vibhushan in 2025. His legacy continues to inspire medical professionals and patients alike.
2. Dr. Jose Chacko Periappuram - Padma Bhushan
A renowned cardio-thoracic surgeon, Dr. Jose Chacko Periappuram was awarded the Padma Bhushan for his pioneering work in heart surgeries. With decades of experience, Dr. Periappuram has been instrumental in transforming cardiac care in India, providing life-saving interventions and bringing global attention to India’s medical capabilities.
3. Dr. Ashok Kumar Mahapatra - Padma Shri
Dr. Ashok Kumar Mahapatra, a distinguished neurosurgeon from Odisha, received the Padma Shri in 2025 for his invaluable contribution to the medical field. With a career spanning several decades, Dr. Mahapatra has been an advocate for advancing neurosurgery in India and has saved countless lives through his surgical expertise.
4. Dr. Budhendra Kumar Jain - Padma Shri
A visionary ophthalmologist from Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Budhendra Kumar Jain was awarded the Padma Shri for his exceptional work in the field of eye care. His efforts to provide affordable, quality eye treatment to the underprivileged in rural India have touched thousands of lives. With a tireless work ethic, he conducts hundreds of surgeries daily, addressing widespread vision issues and offering hope to many.
5. Dr. Hemant Kumar - Padma Shri
Dr. Hemant Kumar, a leading nephrologist from Bihar, was honored with the Padma Shri for his dedicated service to kidney care and dialysis in the region. With over 35 years of experience, Dr. Kumar has been an essential figure in treating kidney diseases, improving the lives of many patients in Bihar and beyond.
6. Professor Neerja Bhatla - Padma Shri
Professor Neerja Bhatla, a pioneer in obstetrics and gynecology, was awarded the Padma Shri for her tireless work in the prevention of cervical cancer. Serving as the head of the Gynae Oncology Department at AIIMS, New Delhi, and the WHO CCR, Dr. Bhatla has spent over 35 years advancing women’s health and has played a crucial role in research and treatment related to cervical cancer.
7. Smt. Shaikha Ali Al-Jaber Al-Sabah - Padma Shri
An internationally recognized medical professional from Kuwait, Smt. Shaikha Ali Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received the Padma Shri for her work in promoting healthcare accessibility in the Middle East and South Asia. Her advocacy for improving medical infrastructure in underserved areas has led to life-changing medical services for many.
8. Dr. Soniya Nityanand - Padma Shri
Dr. Soniya Nityanand, the Vice Chancellor of King George’s Medical University in Uttar Pradesh, was awarded the Padma Shri for her remarkable contribution to medical education and research, particularly in the field of bone marrow transplants. A true trailblazer, Dr. Nityanand spearheaded the establishment of a dedicated bone marrow transplant unit at KGMU, marking a significant milestone in India’s medical advancements.
9. Dr. Vijayalakshmi Deshamane - Padma Shri
A champion of cancer care, Dr. Vijayalakshmi Deshamane from Karnataka was awarded the Padma Shri for her four decades of dedicated work in oncology. A pioneer in breast cancer research, Dr. Deshamane has not only advanced medical treatment but also supported countless cancer patients with free consultations and treatment, making healthcare accessible to all.
10. Dr. Vilas Dangre - Padma Shri
Dr. Vilas Dangre, a renowned physician from Maharashtra, was awarded the Padma Shri for his long-standing commitment to treating underprivileged patients. His clinic in Nagpur has become a beacon of hope for over one lakh patients, offering affordable treatment for a variety of medical conditions, ranging from dermatological issues to mental health disorders.
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