G. Bakthavathsalam

G.Bakthavathsalam, a Padma Shri awardee in 2005, is the Managing Trustee of Dharmaveera K Govindaswamy Naidu Medical Trust, which runs the K.G. Hospital in Coimbatore, a center of Healthcare Management, Medical Research and Education in India.

Work Experience
Bakhthavatsalam has worked with the following organizations: Fellowship of Association of Surgeons of India, International College of Surgeons, Chicago, U.S.A., College of Chest Physicians, New Delhi, India, Academy of Medical Specialties, New Delhi, India, Madras Medical College, India.

He is considered by some to have been instrumental in bringing latest in medical technology and procedures to the common patient.

Humanitarian Efforts
He also established the K.G. Eye Hospital, where 85,000 free cataract surgeries have been done for the poor. He has conducted 200 free heart surgeries, 1,500 dialysis free of cost, screened over 3 lakh people free of cost for blood pressure & saved 35,000 accident victims.

He provided free treatment to 250 bomb blast victims at Coimbatore in 1998 and contributed substantially for the victims of Kargil War, Gujarat Earthquake and the recent Tsunami. The nursing college created by him has produced thousands of nurses who are well employed overseas.

Positions Held
Dr. G. Bakthavathsalam, has held numerous positions in his career in the Healthcare sector. He has chaired the following positions.


 * Prof. of Surgery, Govt. Royapettah Hospital, Madras
 * Registrar of Surgery, Coimbatore Medical College, 1969-73
 * Surgical Registrar - Altoona Hospital, Pittsburgh, U.S.A, 1973
 * Fellow in GI Endoscopy at Tokyo University, Japan, 1984
 * Consultant Surgeon - G.Kuppusamy Naidu Memorial Hospital, Coimbatore, 1978
 * Recognized Guide for Ph.D. research students of Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, since 1985
 * Hon. Prof. of Surgery - PSG Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Coimbatore, 1988

He has presided over as President of


 * Uro Lithiasis Project Scheme (ICMR)
 * Indian Medical Association (1986-87)
 * Association of Surgeons of India - Coimbatore
 * Accident Care Association of Coimbatore
 * Coimbatore Hospitals' Association
 * Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy of India (1991)

Memberships
He has also been a member of national and regional committees in India, including the following. He is a board member of major KG Group ventures.
 * Medical Council of India, New Delhi (1972-1990)
 * Planning Board, Dr. M.G.R.Medical University, Chennai (1994)
 * Planning Board, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore (1990)
 * Syndicate, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore (1983-86)
 * Senate, Bharathiyar University, Coimbatore (1990-93)
 * Board of Governors - Indira Gandhi School of Management, Pondicherry University (1990)
 * Executive Committee, Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Coimbatore
 * Tamil Nadu State Telephone Advisory Committee

He currently holds management positions in various KG Group ventures, including KG Hospital, The Kadri Mills, KG Healthcare, and KG Information Systems Private Limited.

Accolades
He received the Padma Shri (for his work in Medicine) given to him by President APJ Abdul Kalam.

He also received Dr. B.C. Roy Award in 1984 from the late Prime Minister, Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, Seva Ratna Award in 1999 from the Centenarian Trust, Vaidya Ratna Award in 2001 from Sri Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math, Swamy Seva Puraskaram Award, Life Time Achievement Award from Salem Gastro Centre, Vocational Excellence Award from Rotary Club of Tirupur, “The Jewel of Coimbatore Award” in 2005 and PSG Distinguished Alumni Award.