Dr. Mathew Samuel Kalarickal, revered as the 'Father of Angioplasty' in India, passed away on April 18, 2025, at the age of 77 at Apollo Hospital in Chennai. His pioneering work in interventional cardiology transformed cardiac care in the country and inspired generations of medical professionals.

Key Highlights:

• Born on January 6, 1948, in Kottayam, Kerala, Dr. Kalarickal completed his MBBS from Government Medical College, Kottayam, in 1974, followed by an MD from Stanley Medical College and a DM in Cardiology from Madras Medical College.
• After training under Dr. Andreas Grüntzig, the global pioneer of angioplasty, at Emory University in the U.S., Dr. Kalarickal returned to India in 1985. In 1986, he performed the country's first coronary angioplasty, introducing a less invasive treatment for heart disease at a time when options were limited to medication or open-heart surgery. 
• He served as the Director of Interventional Cardiology and Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratories at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, and held positions at Lilavati Hospital, Breach Candy Hospital, and Saifee Hospital in Mumbai. 
• Dr. Kalarickal was instrumental in establishing the National Angioplasty Registry of India, promoting standardized practices and knowledge sharing among interventional cardiologists nationwide. 
• His contributions were recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri in 2000, the Dr. B. C. Roy Award in 1996, and the Doctor of Science Award from Dr. M.G.R. University in 2003.