Renowned Nagpur Neurosurgeon Dr Chandrashekar Pakhmode dies of heart attack at 53

Dr Pakhmode, who was attached to Neuron Hospital in Dhantoli, collapsed around 6 am on Wednesday after stepping out of his residence in Ramdaspeth. Noticing him, his wife, Dr Manisha Pakhmode, an anaesthetist, immediately attempted resuscitation and rushed him to the hospital, where he was placed on ventilator support. 

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As his condition worsened, a team of senior cardiologists performed chest compressions for nearly two hours. He was also given 50 to 60 DC shocks to correct the irregular heart rhythm, but doctors could not revive him. 

Dr Pakhmode is survived by his 80-year-old mother, wife, son Dr Advait, and daughter, a medical student. His last rites were performed at Mokshadam, attended by a large number of medical practitioners, patients, relatives, and friends.

Widely respected for his clinical excellence, Dr Pakhmode was known for handling complex neurological and neurosurgical cases with precision and confidence. Over the years, he emerged as one of the most trusted specialists in the region, significantly contributing to the advancement of neurosurgical services in Nagpur and nearby districts.

Besides being a skilled surgeon, he was known as an extremely calm, good-natured, and affectionate person who treated patients with warmth. An alumnus of Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Nagpur, Dr Pakhmode was also known as a fitness enthusiast. Friends and colleagues described his sudden death as a major loss to the health sector. Known for his cheerful nature, he always wore a smile regardless of circumstances, said his friends and colleagues, as reported by TOI.

Condolences poured in from doctors, ministers, former patients, and citizens across Nagpur, highlighting the impact Dr Pakhmode had on many lives.

GMCH dean Dr Raj Gajbhiye said, "He was a gem of GMCH Nagpur and a great friend. He saved countless patients and contributed significantly to upgrading his alma mater. This is a huge loss to society and patients, as he was a highly skilled neurosurgeon." 

Recalling an interaction with Dr Pakhmode on Tuesday night, GMCH medical superintendent Dr Avinash Gawande said, "He had no known health issues and showed no signs of distress. His ECG, done three days ago, was normal."

AIIMS Nagpur executive director Dr Prashant P Joshi said he was deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely demise. "An exceptionally talented, highly skilled, and brilliant neurosurgeon, he treated patients with care and compassion. He was humble, soft-spoken, and full of humility," he said.

Well-known neurologist Dr Chandrashekhar Meshram said, "Dr Pakhmode left no scope for complaints and that it was rare to find a doctor like him."

In a post on 'X', Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said, "The news of the passing of Dr Chandrashekhar Pakhmode, the renowned brain and spinal surgery expert (neurosurgeon) from Nagpur, is extremely shocking and heartbreaking. His contributions to the medical field are unparalleled and worthy of praise. Over a long career spanning more than 25 years, he gave new life to countless patients through his precise diagnostic methods, surgical expertise, and sensitive, trust-based communication with them. 

In addition to being a skilled surgeon, he was an extremely affable, calm personality who connected empathetically with patients' pains. With his departure, the medical field has lost a devoted, dedicated, and inspiring expert. I have lost my rightful family friend. Heartfelt tribute to Dr Chandrashekhar Pakhmode. May God grant his soul eternal peace. I share in the grief of his family."

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said in a post on 'X', "The news of the demise of Dr Chandrashekhar Pakhmode, the renowned neurosurgeon from Nagpur, is heartbreaking. My heartfelt tribute to him. In his more than 25 years of medical service, Dr. Pakhmode has given new life to countless patients. His contribution to the medical field is significant. Besides being a skilled surgeon, he was known as an extremely calm, good-natured, and affectionate person who treated patients with warmth. May God grant peace to the departed soul and give strength to his family to recover from this sorrow."

Expressing deep shock, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, "He gave new life to patients by successfully performing thousands of highly complex surgeries. For poor and ordinary patients, he was nothing short of a guardian angel."

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