NE HEALTH BUREAU
CHENNAI, OCT 11
The M.V. Hospital for Diabetes and the Prof. M. Viswanathan Diabetes Research Centre, Chennai, on Saturday hosted the inaugural Prof. M. Viswanathan Centenary Award and Oration, honouring the extraordinary legacy of Late Prof. M. Viswanathan — revered as the Father of Diabetology in India and the pioneer who transformed diabetes care, education, and research in the country.
- Inaugural Award Celebrates the Father of Diabetology in India and Advances the Mission of Type 1 Diabetes Care
- Experts highlight urgent need for awareness and innovation as India leads the world with over 3 lakh young diabetics
- Dr. Banshi Saboo, Chairman, International Diabetes Federation (South-East Asia) delivers the award and oration
Celebrating a Visionary Who Transformed Diabetes Care
Prof. M. Viswanathan established India’s first organised diabetes clinic at Stanley Medical College in 1948 and later founded the M.V. Hospital for Diabetes in 1954, followed by the Prof. M. Viswanathan Diabetes Research Centre in 1972 — recognised by both the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
His work laid the foundation for modern diabetology in India, combining clinical excellence with pioneering research and compassionate patient care.
Dr. Banshi Saboo Delivers Inaugural Centenary Oration
The prestigious Prof. M. Viswanathan Centenary Award and Oration was delivered by Dr. Banshi Saboo, Chairman, International Diabetes Federation (South-East Asia), in the presence of Chief Guest Dr. A. Somasundaram, Director, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Government of Tamil Nadu.
Delivering the oration, Dr. Saboo spotlighted the growing burden of type 1 diabetes in India, which now ranks second globally with over 941,000 patients — including 301,000 children and adolescents under 20 years.
“Type 1 diabetes requires lifelong management, but with modern insulin pumps, painless glucose monitoring, and continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGM), we can ensure that young diabetics not only survive but thrive,” said Dr. Saboo, calling for greater awareness, accessibility, and affordability in diabetes care.
Tamil Nadu Leads by Example in Public Health
In his Chief Guest address, Dr. A. Somasundaram paid tribute to Prof. Viswanathan’s pioneering contributions, noting how his work continues to guide public health strategies in India.
“The Tamil Nadu government is committed to strengthening public health infrastructure, ensuring early diagnosis and treatment for chronic conditions like diabetes. We aim to bridge the healthcare gap by reaching underserved communities and promoting preventive care,” Dr. Somasundaram said.
Carrying Forward the Legacy of Compassion and Innovation
Dr. Vijay Viswanathan, President, Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI), reaffirmed the institution’s mission to carry forward Prof. Viswanathan’s vision.
“Organising the Prof. M. Viswanathan Centenary Oration is our tribute to his life’s work. At M.V. Hospital for Diabetes, over 500 children and adolescents receive regular treatment across our Royapuram, South Chennai, and Bangalore centres. We are committed to empowering them through education, counseling, and cutting-edge diabetes management,” Dr. Viswanathan said.
A Legacy that Continues to Inspire
The event was attended by senior health officials, medical professionals, researchers, and members of the public who celebrated a century of excellence in diabetes care.
Dr. S.N. Narasingan, Dean, and Dr. Jayashree Gopal, Associate Dean, of the Research Centre, felicitated the Chief Guest and presented the award citation to Dr. Saboo.
Late Prof. M. Viswanathan’s relentless pursuit of medical excellence, research innovation, and social responsibility continues to inspire generations of physicians — reaffirming that the true measure of a doctor’s legacy lies not just in healing patients, but in transforming public health itself.
