7 hours Ago By Thilina Walpola
It is with a deeply heavy heart that I express my sincere condolences on the passing of Dr. Samuel Mathew Kalarickal on the 20th of April 2024. Born in 1948, Dr.
Samuel was not only a pioneer of interventional cardiology in India but a giant in South Asian healthcare whose influence extended far beyond national borders. A Beacon of Excellence and Compassion Known as the “Father of Angioplasty” in India, Dr. Samuel introduced life-saving coronary interventions when they were still rare.
His leadership at Apollo Hospitals and Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital brought cardiac care to global standards. But beyond the accolades, it was his humility, compassion, and unwavering dedication to patients that truly set him apart. A Lasting Impact on Sri Lanka Dr.
Samuel played a pivotal role in shaping modern cardiac care in Sri Lanka. In the 1990s and early 2000s, many Sri Lankan patients sought his expertise in India, trusting him with their lives. He treated them with care and dignity, leaving lasting impressions on families across the island.
He also trained and mentored numerous Sri Lankan cardiologists, generously sharing knowledge of advanced procedures and technologies. His efforts helped uplift cardiac care back home and empowered many of us to bring those skills to our own communities. A Mentor Who Lit the Path To me, Dr.
Samuel was more than a mentor—he was a fatherly figure. I fondly recall our time at the 2011 Coimbatore meeting, where he urged me to form the Sri Lanka STEMI Forum . His guidance helped us create national strategies and treatment models for heart attack care—an initiative that continues to save lives today.
A Legacy That Lives On Dr. Samuel leaves behind more than medical breakthroughs. He leaves behind a legacy of service, inspiration, and heart.
His memory will live on in every life he touched, every doctor he guided, and every patient he healed. You will be remembered always, Sir—not just for what you did, but for who you were. May your soul find eternal peace.
– Dr Gotabhaya Ranasinghe.
