Refining The Field Of Pulmonary Medicine In India
Dr. Rajendra Prasad, a visionary in the field of pulmonary medicine, has played a pivotal role in establishing and popularizing this specialty in India.
He is the torchbearer of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) and was instrumental in setting up one of India’s first Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) Centers at King George’s Medical College (KGMC), Lucknow.
His relentless efforts ensured active participation of both government and private medical colleges in the NTEP, significantly strengthening India’s fight against tuberculosis.
Transforming Pulmonary Medicine at KGMC
As Head of the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at KGMC (1997–2011), Dr. Prasad revolutionized the field by introducing multiple specialized services.
Under his leadership, the department established several firsts in Uttar Pradesh, including:
First Video Bronchoscopy Unit
First Sleep Lab
Medical Thoracoscopy Unit
Thoracic Oncology Unit
Air Pollution–Related Disease Diagnostic Centre
His innovative approach transformed the department from a tuberculosis-focused unit into a comprehensive center for pulmonary medicine, raising healthcare standards across India.
National and International Recognition
Dr. Prasad’s deep involvement and unmatched expertise in tuberculosis control and respiratory care have earned him widespread national and international recognition, marking him as a cornerstone in India’s medical progress.
