LUCKNOW: Prof Ramesh Chandra, who was instrumental in establishing plastic surgery as a speciality in UP, died of a heart attack late on Thursday night. He was 81 and is survived by his doctor wife and two doctor sons and their families.
Prof Chandra was also the principal of King George’s Medical College (now KGMU) from 1998-2000 and served as the head of the plastic surgery department for 18 years (1980-1998), longest in the history of KGMU. Prof Chandra, who had many research papers to his credit, was conferred with the highest award in medical discipline — Dr BC Roy award — in 1997. The news sent shock waves in the medical and academic fraternity. Condolences poured in from across the globe. Prof Chandra’s son Dr Rajiv Agarwal, who is head of plastic surgery, SGPGIMS, informed that cremation will take place at Bhaisakund on Saturday.
“He experienced uneasiness and palpitations on Thursday morning.Tests found he had a heart attack. We were taking him to the hospital, but he collapsed on the way. He was not serious till afternoon but condition deteriorated in evening,” he said.
“He was a calm, disciplined, and meticulous person. We learned every nuance of the trade from him,” said Prof AK Singh, vice-chancellor of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University and Prof Chandra’s successor at KGMU. He was also a student of Prof Chandra. Prof Brijesh Kumar, current head of plastic surgery in KGMU, said, “Brilliant academician like Prof Chandra are a rarity nowadays.”
