<p>City-based cardiac surgeon Dr Colin John was recently awarded the prestigious lifetime achievement award by the Indian Association of Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgeons (IACTS). </p>.<p>Dr John, who serves as the head of the paediatric cardiac surgery department at Narayana Health, has performed over 30,000 cardiac surgeries so far and is the first Indian to successfully complete a total Cavo pulmonary connection and Norwood procedures. </p>.<p>The lifetime achievement award is the highest honour bestowed by IACTS for exemplary contributions to cardiovascular thoracic surgery through clinical practice, academia and patient care efforts. </p>.<p>Speaking to <em><span class="italic">DH</span></em>, Dr John said he hopes to continue doing surgeries and guiding the younger surgeons.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/science-and-environment/on-demand-male-contraceptive-found-effective-in-early-trial-1191441.html" target="_blank">On-demand male contraceptive found effective in early trial</a></strong></p>.<p>“I am 74 now and have been in the field for 45 years. Thankfully, I am still able to perform surgeries and I hope to continue till I can,” he said.</p>.<p>He opined that India has come a long way in improving access to healthcare. “Thanks to the many government schemes, over the years, we have come a long way in providing affordable healthcare to the needy. We have a treasure of expertise in our country and we are tapping well into it,” he said.</p>.<p>Dr John also holds the record for performing the highest number of intracardiac repairs for tetralogy of fallot and total anomalous pulmonary venous connections in the world.</p>.<p>He is also a recipient of the Kempegowda award given by the state government and is recognised as an honorary professor of international health at the University of Minnesota.</p>.<p>Dr John said the government could improve budgetary allocation for healthcare sector to put in place a resilient system.</p>
<p>City-based cardiac surgeon Dr Colin John was recently awarded the prestigious lifetime achievement award by the Indian Association of Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgeons (IACTS). </p>.<p>Dr John, who serves as the head of the paediatric cardiac surgery department at Narayana Health, has performed over 30,000 cardiac surgeries so far and is the first Indian to successfully complete a total Cavo pulmonary connection and Norwood procedures. </p>.<p>The lifetime achievement award is the highest honour bestowed by IACTS for exemplary contributions to cardiovascular thoracic surgery through clinical practice, academia and patient care efforts. </p>.<p>Speaking to <em><span class="italic">DH</span></em>, Dr John said he hopes to continue doing surgeries and guiding the younger surgeons.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/science-and-environment/on-demand-male-contraceptive-found-effective-in-early-trial-1191441.html" target="_blank">On-demand male contraceptive found effective in early trial</a></strong></p>.<p>“I am 74 now and have been in the field for 45 years. Thankfully, I am still able to perform surgeries and I hope to continue till I can,” he said.</p>.<p>He opined that India has come a long way in improving access to healthcare. “Thanks to the many government schemes, over the years, we have come a long way in providing affordable healthcare to the needy. We have a treasure of expertise in our country and we are tapping well into it,” he said.</p>.<p>Dr John also holds the record for performing the highest number of intracardiac repairs for tetralogy of fallot and total anomalous pulmonary venous connections in the world.</p>.<p>He is also a recipient of the Kempegowda award given by the state government and is recognised as an honorary professor of international health at the University of Minnesota.</p>.<p>Dr John said the government could improve budgetary allocation for healthcare sector to put in place a resilient system.</p>
