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Dr. S.I. Padmavati: India's First Female Cardiologist Revolutionized Heart Care
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Moneycontrol•30-09-2026, 15:23
Dr. S.I. Padmavati: India's First Female Cardiologist Revolutionized Heart Care
- •Dr. S.I. Padmavati, India's first female cardiologist, fled war in Burma and dedicated her life to building modern cardiac-care infrastructure and making treatment accessible to the poor.
- •She established North India's first catheterisation laboratory in 1953, a year after returning to India from advanced medical training in the US and UK.
- •Padmavati founded the All India Heart Foundation in 1962 and the National Heart Institute in 1981, emphasizing that specialist medical care should be available to all, regardless of ability to pay.
- •Known for her commitment to patients, she declined VIP treatment and insisted on prioritizing all patients, working well into her 90s.
- •Her contributions earned her India's highest civilian honors, including the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian cardiology and inspiring women in medicine.
Key Questions Answered
Dr S.I. Padmavati was India's first female cardiologist who built North India's first catheterisation laboratory, founded the All India Heart Foundation in 1962, and established the National Heart Institute in 1981.
She founded the All India Heart Foundation in 1962 and later established the National Heart Institute in New Delhi in 1981.
Her contributions to medicine earned her India's prestigious Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan civilian honours, along with various domestic and international fellowships and recognitions.
