Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented the Chikitsa Vibhushan Samman to laparoscopic, robotic and gastrointestinal surgeon Dr Pawanindra Lal at a ceremony held at the Poorva Sanskritik Kendra on July 1. The award was conferred by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), East Delhi branch, as part of National Doctors' Day celebrations in the Capital.
Recognition for Excellence in Clinical Practice and Medical Education
The Chikitsa Vibhushan Samman is awarded to distinguished doctors for outstanding contributions in clinical practice, patient care, medical education and healthcare development. Dr Lal was recognized for his decades-long dedication to advancing minimal access surgery in India.
The ceremony was attended by Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra, former Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, Krishna Nagar MLA Dr Anil Goyal, and numerous members of the medical fraternity.
Dr Lal’s Pioneering Role in Minimal Access Surgery
Dr Pawanindra Lal is a pioneer of minimal access surgery in India and has spent decades advancing laparoscopic and robotic gastrointestinal procedures. He currently serves as Senior Consultant in the Department of Robotic, Minimal Access and General Surgery at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, and is President of the International College of Laparoscopic Surgeons.
He also played a key role in establishing the country’s first Department of Minimal Access Surgery in a government medical college, which has strengthened surgical training and promoted minimally invasive techniques across India.
Dr Lal’s Gratitude and Dedication
Receiving the award, Dr Lal said: “I am deeply honoured to receive the Chikitsa Vibhushan Samman. I dedicate it to my mentors, colleagues, students and the entire healthcare team.”
The award underscores the growing recognition of minimally invasive surgical techniques and their impact on patient outcomes in India.
