Pioneer Cardiologist, Padma Shri Dr Mani Chhetri passes away at 106
Kolkata: Eminent cardiologist and Padma Shri awardee Dr Mani Chhetri passed away late on Sunday at his residence at the age of 106.
According to family sources, Dr Chhetri had suffered a head injury after a fall about a fortnight ago and had largely been bedridden since returning home from the hospital.
“He had shown signs of recovery after being discharged. But his condition deteriorated gradually over the past few days,” a family member said.
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Dr Chhetri was born on May 23, 1920, in Darjeeling, West Bengal. After passing his intermediate examination from St. Paul's Cathedral Mission College, Kolkata, he secured a graduate degree in medicine (MBBS) from the Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, in 1944. Later, in 1956, he secured the degree of FRCP from London on a government scholarship.
He later returned to India and built a distinguished career as a cardiologist, earning widespread recognition for his contributions to the field.
Dr Chhetri served as the director of the premier state-run SSKM Hospital and also held the position of director of health services in West Bengal.
In 1997, when the Advanced Medical Research Institute was started in Dhakuria, Dr Chetri was made the managing director, but he continued his association with IPGMER & SSKM Hospital as an adviser.
Despite his administrative responsibilities, he continued to attend to patients throughout his career.
In recognition of his contributions in the field of medicine, Dr Chhetri was awarded the Padma Shri in 1974. Even after retiring from government service in 1982, he remained actively involved in medical practice for decades.
Chhetri had been suffering from dementia in recent years, which forced him to cut down on his clinical engagements. “He continued attending to patients until about two years ago,” a family member said, reports PTI.
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