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| Dr LH Hiranandani |
Call him a social crusader, a philanthropist or a deft ENT surgeon; Dr LH Hiranandani (96) is a name that will surely go down in the annals of history for his contribution to modern medicine in India. His journey in the field of Indian healthcare is phenomenal. From a humble beginning in Thatta, Sindh, Dr Hiranandani achieved great glory in the field of ENT surgeries. His experimental skills helped him discover numerous new innovative techniques which are now called- ‘Dr Hiranandani’s Operations’. His works have been published in medical journals across the world. His speciality was in performing difficult larynx operations, which he conducted with utmost ease.
The doyen passed away on September 5, 2013, succumbing to various age-related ailments after waging a battle for one month in the hospital. He is survived by his wife Kanta and two sons, Niranjan and Surendra, well known entrepreneurs in their own right.
The news of his demise was a cause of sorrow for all who knew this great soul. I too had the honour of meeting this stalwart four years ago at his clinic in Mumbai. He was then 92 years old. I was then working on a story that spoke about influential people in healthcare and Dr Hiranandani stood high on our list. Meeting him was an opportunity that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I was completely impressed by his personality. Even at the age of 92 his enthusiasm for his work and life in general was unabated. He visited his clinic in South Mumbai regularly. He had told me that his clinic was another home to him and his work was his way of life. I still remember his words, “Medicine is the best profession and hard work gives the best results.”
Dr Hiranandani had to overcome many obstacles to become a doctor, the profession of his choice.
Being born in a poor family and educating himself was indeed a tall task. The most difficult decision of his life was to travel to Karachi to study medicine at a point of time when he did not have a single penny in his pocket. Yet, he had the courage to venture on a journey fraught with uncertainties and the will to succeed against all odds.
Dr Hiranandani’s only mantra was to work hard. His first job was as a house surgeon at KEM Hospital, Mumbai and since then, there has been no looking back. He went on to achieve several notable feats as a result of his dedication and hard work. His stint at Mumbai’s Nair Hospital saw him playing a crucial role in developing the ENT department at the hospital and successfully incorporating head and neck surgeries within the department.
Dr Hiranandani was the first Indian to be appointed as a member by the American Society of Head and Neck. He has written many insightful journals and books which have been acknowledged by the healthcare industry across the world. He is also the recipient of the prestigious Padma Bhushan by the President of India in 1972 and has received the SAARC Doctor of the Millennium award. He was the first person to be honoured with the Golden Award by the Board of International Federation of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck societies. In the year 1988, he also received the Dhanvantari Award and became the first person in the field of ENT to receive this award. He was also appointed a member of the Advisory Committee by the Government of India for opening of private medical colleges in Maharashtra.
Apart from being a thorough professional, Dr Hiranandani was a man of great principles as well. It was one thing that he would never compromise on. His activities reached far beyond the medical field. As a social crusader he courageously took on the kidney trade in India. As a philanthropist he sponsored several medical students. He has also earned a name as the modern-day ‘Robin Hood’ of healthcare where he charged the rich more so that he can treat the poor free. Moreover, he also worked for the cause of removing capital punishment from the Indian law. His efforts were instrumental in stalling the Euthanasia Bill in the Parliament. Thus, he is an inspiration on how to live a life to the fullest and achieve its full potential.
Though we will miss Dr Hiranandani; his teachings and techniques will continue to be revered by all.
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