Chennai: Padma Shri awardee Prof. K. Mathangi Ramakrishnan, a pioneering figure in plastic and reconstructive surgery and a trailblazer in burns care in South India, passed away in Chennai on Monday at the age of 91 due to age-related complications.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1934, Dr. Mathangi Ramakrishnan completed her MBBS from Madras Medical College (MMC) before pursuing advanced training in plastic and reconstructive surgery in the United Kingdom and the United States (Maryland).
After returning to India, she founded the Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns Unit at Government Kilpauk Medical College (KMC) — a landmark initiative that became Tamil Nadu’s nodal burns care unit and one of India’s foremost centres for comprehensive burn management and rehabilitation.
A Lifetime Dedicated to Healing and Innovation
Prof. Mathangi retired as Professor and Head of the Department of Burns, Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery at KMC and later served as Emeritus Professor of Plastic Surgery at the Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University. She also held the post of Emeritus Scientist at the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai.
Her research collaboration with CLRI led to the development of a collagen membrane wound cover, a revolutionary innovation that became a widely used treatment for burn injuries across India.
Honours and Recognition
Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Mathangi received numerous accolades, including:
- Padma Shri (2002) for her pioneering work in burn treatment and reconstructive surgery
- Dr. B.C. Roy National Award for outstanding service in clinical medicine
- Avvaiyar Award (2014) from the Government of Tamil Nadu
- G. Whitaker International Burns Prize (Palermo, Italy, 2009)
- Sushruta Gold Medal from the Association of Surgeons of India
- Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Burns India
Leadership and Global Contribution
Dr. Mathangi held several prestigious positions, including:
- Honorary Secretary, Burns Association of India (Madras)
- Member, International Confederation of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons
- Member, International Society for Burn Injuries
- Fellow, National Academy of Medical Sciences (India)
- National Representative, Asian Pacific Section of the International Confederation of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Regional Representative (South East Asia), International Society for Burn Injuries
Mentor, Teacher, and Humanitarian
Known for her surgical precision, empathy, and teaching excellence, Prof. Mathangi authored several books and research papers, mentoring generations of plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Her unwavering dedication to patient care — particularly for those from underprivileged backgrounds — earned her admiration across the medical community.
Personal Life and Legacy
Dr. Mathangi was closely associated with the CHILDS Trust Hospital in Chennai, founded by her late husband Dr. M.S. Ramakrishnan. After his passing, she continued to guide the institution as Chairperson of the CHILDS Trust Medical Research Foundation.
She is survived by her daughter Priya Ramachandran, son-in-law B. Ramachandra, and grandsons Hari Ramachandran and Keshav Ramachandran.
In keeping with her lifelong commitment to service, her eyes were donated to Sankara Nethralaya, as reported by The Hindu.
