Senior anaesthesiologist and former Director of Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology (SCTIMST), Prof. K. Mohandas, passed away in Bengaluru on 9 October 2025, leaving behind a profound legacy in medical education and research.
Glimpse:
Prof. Mohandas, a pioneer in Indian anaesthesiology, served as the second Director of SCTIMST and helped establish multiple specialty programs and public health initiatives. His academic path included posts at CMC Vellore, Calicut Medical College, and SCTIMST, where he oversaw its growth and introduced new programs. His contributions earned him an honorary Fellowship from the Royal College of Anaesthetists the first Indian to receive it.
Professor K. Mohandas passed away peacefully on 9 October 2025 at 3:45 PM in Bengaluru, surrounded by family members.
His journey in medicine began with postgraduate training in Anaesthesiology at Christian Medical College, Vellore, followed by an MD from Medical College, Mysore.
Early in his career, he served as a faculty member at Calicut Medical College, and in 1976 joined SCTIMST (then Sree Chitra Tirunal Medical Centre) as Assistant Professor of Anaesthesiology.
He was the chief anaesthetist during the institute’s first open heart surgery in 1976.
Over the years, he rose through the ranks to become Professor and Head of Department of Anaesthesia, then Dean in 1993.
In 1994, Prof. Mohandas took over as Director of SCTIMST.
During his tenure, he spearheaded the establishment of centers of excellence, such as the Comprehensive Center for Epilepsy and the Comprehensive Center for Movement Disorders. He also initiated public health programs, including an MPH course.
He stepped down from his directorship on 31 July 2009.
In recognition of his contributions, the Royal College of Anaesthetists (UK) conferred upon him an honorary Fellowship, making him the first Indian to receive that distinction.
He also served as the first Vice-Chancellor of Kerala University of Health and Allied Sciences (KUHS).
Throughout his career, he held many leadership roles Dean, Director, educator, mentor, and visionary. His legacy extends across generations of anaesthesiologists, medical students, public health professionals, and institutional reforms.
“He was more than a clinician he was a builder of institutions, a mentor, and an innovator whose work continues to shape Indian anaesthesia and medical education.”
By
HB Team
