In recognition of his groundbreaking work in liver diseases, public health, and medical education, Dr. Radha Krishan Dhiman, a distinguished hepatologist and Director of Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, has been conferred the Padma Shri in the field of Medicine.
Dr. Dhiman has had a profound impact on the field of hepatology in India. As the former head of the Department of Hepatology at PGIMER Chandigarh, he played a vital role in establishing the country’s first DM program in Hepatology. He also helped create one of India’s first dedicated liver ICUs and initiated a robust liver transplant program.
In addition to his clinical achievements, Dr. Dhiman has been a key figure in public health policy. He led efforts to create cost-effective treatment strategies for hepatitis C, and contributed to the development of the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP), benefitting millions across the country.
During the COVID-19 pandemic and the mucormycosis outbreak, Dr. Dhiman served on key advisory boards, guiding Uttar Pradesh’s healthcare strategy. Under his leadership, SGPGIMS significantly expanded services such as tele-ICU networks, emergency care, and healthcare worker training programs across the state.
Dr. Dhiman is also credited with pioneering organ donation awareness in India. In Chandigarh, he introduced a unique initiative that allowed individuals to pledge their organs through driving licenses—an idea that quickly gained traction.
Speaking on receiving the award, Dr. Dhiman said:
“This honor is not just mine but belongs to my mentors, team members, and all those working tirelessly to improve public health and medical care in India.”
Dr. Radha Krishan Dhiman’s Padma Shri celebrates a lifetime of service to medicine, blending clinical excellence, innovative public health leadership, and a deep commitment to building future-ready medical institutions.
