Dr Nori Dattatreyudu conferred Padma Bhushan for advancing cancer treatment
New Delhi: Renowned radiation oncologist Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu has been conferred the Padma Bhushan for his outstanding contribution to the field of medicine. The Ministry of Home Affairs announced the Padma Awards list for 2026 on the eve of the 77th Republic Day.
The award recognises Dr Nori’s decades-long work in advancing cancer treatment and improving patient outcomes across the world.
The Padma Awards, among India’s highest civilian honours, are approved by the President of India and announced every year on the occasion of Republic Day.
Medical Dialogues recently reported that as the nation celebrates the 77th Republic Day, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced the Padma Awards 2026, one of India's highest civilian honours, recognising distinguished service across various disciplines, including medicine.
According to the official list approved by the President of India, two eminent medical professionals have been conferred the Padma Bhushan, while 13 doctors and healthcare contributors have received the Padma Shri for their outstanding contributions to healthcare delivery, medical research, community medicine, and patient welfare. The awards were announced on January 25, 2026, on the eve of Republic Day.
This year, two Indian clinicians — Shri Kallipatti Ramasamy Palaniswamy and Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu — have been conferred the Padma Bhushan for their distinguished contributions to medicine. The Padma Bhushan is the third-highest civilian award in India, conferred for distinguished service of a high order, after the Padma Vibhushan and the Bharat Ratna.
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The awards will be formally presented by the President at ceremonial functions at Rashtrapati Bhavan, usually held in March or April.
Dr Nori, a world-renowned Indian radiation oncologist, has been a leading figure in cancer research and treatment for several decades.
He has served as the principal investigator for numerous clinical trials sponsored by the US National Cancer Institute and has earned wide recognition for his contributions to radiation oncology.
One of his most significant achievements is his pioneering work in high-dose-rate brachytherapy, which has transformed the treatment of cancers affecting the cervix, urinary system, chest, head and neck.
His work on remote after-loading brachytherapy has allowed doctors to deliver precise and targeted radiation to cancerous tissues while minimising damage to healthy cells.
Since its introduction in the 1970s, this technique has become a globally accepted standard and has helped millions of patients worldwide.
Dr Nori’s contributions have been widely acknowledged at both national and international levels. In 2014, he received the Ellis Island Medal of Honour, one of the highest civilian awards in the United States. He was also conferred the Padma Shri in 2015 for his services to medicine, reports IANS.
In addition, he has been named among the top doctors in America by his peers, based on evaluations by tens of thousands of oncologists, particularly for his work in treating cancers in women.
Speaking to reporters during the Republic Day celebrations at the Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute (BIACH&RI), Dr Nori said that while he has received numerous international awards, recognition from his own country brings him the greatest sense of fulfilment.
Born into a Telugu family in Mantada village in Andhra Pradesh’s Krishna district, Dr Nori completed his medical education at Kurnool Medical College and later pursued postgraduate studies at Osmania Medical College.
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