The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, has approved the conferment of the Padma Awards 2026, recognising remarkable contributions across multiple fields, including healthcare and medicine. This year’s honours include 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards, celebrating distinguished service and impactful work that has shaped Indian society.
Padma Bhushan Awardees in Healthcare / Medicine
1. Kallipatti Ramasamy Palaniswamy
A leading gastroenterologist from Tamil Nadu, Dr. Palaniswamy has been honoured for his distinguished contributions to digestive disease care, medical education, and strengthening clinical gastroenterology practices at national institutions.
2. Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu
An internationally recognised radiation oncologist based in the United States, Dr. Dattatreyudu is honoured for pioneering work in cancer treatment, especially in advancing affordable, high-quality cancer care and improving therapeutic outcomes for patients globally.
Padma Shri Awardees in Healthcare & Medicine
The Padma Shri (fourth-highest civilian award) acknowledged multiple healthcare professionals and innovators whose work ranges from clinical excellence to community health impact:
Medicine & Medical Service
- Ms. Armida Fernandez– Medicine
Veteran paediatrician from Maharashtra, awarded for her pioneering work in neonatal care, including establishing Asia’s first human milk bank to improve infant survival rates. - Dr. Suresh Hanagavadi– Haematology / Medicine
A haematologist and founder of the Karnataka Hemophilia Society, honoured for transforming haemophilia care and support systems across India. - Dr. Shyam Sundar (Dr. Shyam Sundar Makharia)– Medicine
Recognised for significant contributions to research and treatment of kala-azar and other infectious diseases; his work has shaped public health interventions in endemic regions. - Dr. Punniamurthy Natesan– Medicine / Traditional Health
Honoured for contributions to traditional medical knowledge and community health practices. - Shri Guduru Venkat Rao– Medicine / Healthcare
Senior physician noted for improving healthcare service delivery and patient care, particularly in Telangana. - Shri H. V. Hande– Medicine
Veteran clinician from Tamil Nadu, awarded for decades of service to patients across socio-economic backgrounds. - Shri Kewal Krishan Thakral– Medicine
Recognised for enhancing access to quality healthcare services in Uttar Pradesh. - Dr. Padma Gurmet -Medicine
Honoured for advancing healthcare access in remote Ladakh, particularly for women and newborns. - Shri Palkonda Vijay Anand Reddy– Medicine
Specialist from Telangana, recognised for clinical excellence and patient safety initiatives. - Shri Prateek Sharma -Medicine / Global Health
Awarded for contributions to medical innovation and health improvement internationally. - Shri Rajendra Prasad– Medicine
Noted for enhancing rural health access and medical services in Uttar Pradesh. - Shri Saroj Mandal– Medicine
Senior clinician recognised for impactful services to rural and vulnerable patients. - Dr. Budhri Tati– Social Work & Healthcare
Honoured for community health outreach and service in underserved regions.
The 2026 Padma Awards in healthcare and medicine reflect India’s commitment to recognising both clinical excellence and community health leadership from world-renowned oncologists and specialist clinicians to grassroots service providers bringing healthcare to underserved areas. These awards celebrate service that not only saves lives but also strengthens the health fabric of the nation.