Pioneer in Burn Treatment
Legacy of Dr K Mathangi Ramakrishnan in Burn Care and Plastic Surgery: Dr K Mathangi Ramakrishnan, a trailblazing plastic and reconstructive surgeon, transformed the landscape of burn care in South India. Her passing in Chennai marks the end of a remarkable era in Indian medical history. She was instrumental in shaping modern burn management systems and surgical reconstruction methods that have saved countless lives.
Establishing Advanced Medical Infrastructure
She founded the Department of Plastic Surgery and the Burns Unit at the Government Kilpauk Medical College (KMC), Chennai. This department became one of India’s most advanced centers for comprehensive burn and plastic surgery care. Her leadership ensured that patients received both physical and psychological rehabilitation after severe burn injuries.
Static GK fact: Government Kilpauk Medical College, established in 1960, is one of Tamil Nadu’s premier medical institutions under the Directorate of Medical Education.
Innovation in Collagen Membrane Development
One of Dr Ramakrishnan’s landmark contributions was developing a collagen membrane for burn wounds in collaboration with the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai. This innovation provided a cost-effective and efficient solution for burn victims and was adopted in hospitals across India.
Static GK Tip: The Central Leather Research Institute, located in Chennai, functions under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and is the world’s largest leather research organization.
National and International Recognition
Dr Mathangi Ramakrishnan’s exemplary service was recognized with numerous prestigious awards. She received the Padma Shri in 2002, one of India’s highest civilian honors, for her pioneering medical work. She was also the recipient of the Dr B C Roy National Award, the Avvaiyar Award in 2014, and the G Whitaker International Burns Prize in 2009.
Static GK fact: The Padma Shri, instituted in 1954, is the fourth highest civilian award in India, awarded for distinguished service in various fields.
Contributions Beyond Medicine
Beyond her clinical excellence, Dr Ramakrishnan focused on public awareness about burn prevention and rehabilitation. She organized outreach programs, especially targeting women and children, to spread safety awareness regarding fire and chemical burns. Her compassionate approach and dedication earned her immense respect in both the national and international medical community.
Static GK Tip: The G Whitaker International Burns Prize is awarded annually in Palermo, Italy, recognizing outstanding contributions to burn treatment and prevention.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Legacy of Dr K Mathangi Ramakrishnan in Burn Care and Plastic Surgery:
| Topic | Detail |
| Name | Dr K Mathangi Ramakrishnan |
| Profession | Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon |
| Major Contribution | Established Burns Unit and Plastic Surgery Department at Government Kilpauk Medical College, Chennai |
| Key Innovation | Developed collagen membrane for burn wounds with CLRI |
| Major Awards | Padma Shri (2002), Dr B C Roy Award, G Whitaker International Burns Prize (2009), Avvaiyar Award (2014) |
| Institution Collaborated | Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai |
| Place of Passing | Chennai |
| Field of Excellence | Burn treatment and reconstructive surgery |
| Legacy | Pioneer in burn care and plastic surgery in South India |
| Associated Medical College | Government Kilpauk Medical College, Chennai |
