Works & Contributions
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.
Academic Excellence And Research Contributions
Dr. Rajendra Prasad is an outstanding teacher, mentor, and academic leader, having trained numerous students who now hold prominent positions in the field of medicine.
He possesses an exceptional ability to simplify complex medical concepts, emphasizing hands-on training and encouraging curiosity — qualities that make him a beloved mentor among students.
Academic Excellence at KGMC
As a faculty member at King George’s Medical University (KGMC) from 1984 to 2011, Dr. Prasad rose from Assistant Professor to Head of the Department, revolutionizing tuberculosis and pulmonary medicine education.
His research and teaching contributions have been profound:
35 research projects supervised
185 MD, MS, DM, MCh, and PhD theses guided
Over 325 research papers and 175 abstracts published in national and international journals
Dr. Prasad has also been an active voice in public health awareness, having delivered over 2,450 scientific lectures and participated in 325 public programs, including camps, rallies, and online sessions.
His landmark studies on Adverse Drug Reactions, Drug Resistance in Tuberculosis and HIV, and the impact of beedi smoking and biomass fuel use on COPD and lung cancer have led to significant reforms in clinical approaches and public health policies.
Academic Excellence at KGMC
As Director of the U.P. Rural Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (RIMS), Saifai, Dr. Prasad played a visionary role in strengthening medical education in rural India.
Under his leadership, RIMS evolved into a premier hub for advanced medical training and research, bridging the urban–rural healthcare gap.
He:
Established a Center of Excellence for Medical Education
Introduced advanced paramedical and nursing programs
Expanded super-specialty and tertiary healthcare services for rural populations
Director of Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute (VPCI), Delhi
At the Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute (VPCI) in Delhi, Dr. Prasad led a comprehensive institutional transformation — modernizing infrastructure, establishing advanced respiratory care units, and elevating postgraduate training in pulmonary medicine.
His leadership significantly enhanced the institute’s academic, clinical, and research standards.
Public Health Initiatives
A passionate advocate for community health, Dr. Prasad also launched “Kalyani”, a health awareness program on Doordarshan, which became immensely popular, especially among rural audiences.
As An Author
Dr. Rajendra Prasad has made remarkable contributions to pulmonary medicine through his extensive body of written work.
His books have significantly influenced medical education and clinical practice in India, simplifying complex concepts and making learning more accessible for students and practitioners alike.
His Notable Books Include:
Presidency Of Leading Medical Bodies
Dr. Rajendra Prasad has held the highest offices in India’s premier medical organizations, as a national and international leader in pulmonary medicine.
- International Governor, American College of Chest Physicians (USA) - Represented India in global respiratory medicine and helped bridge international callaborations.
- President of the Tuberculasis Assaciation of India - Headed palicy advacacy and nationwide tuberculasis elimination initiatives.
- President of the National Callege of Chest Physicians (NCCP)-Strengthened academic research and postgraduate training in respiratory diseases.
- President of the Indian Associatian for Brancholagy - Promoted tharacoscopy and minimally invasive pulmonary procedures and advanced the use of interventional pulmonalogy in India.
- President Indian Medical Association (IMA), Lucknow-Promoted medical education in pulmonary medicine to dactars of Indian medical Association.
- President of the Indian Chest Society-Advocated for lung health policies and research an COPD, asthma, and lung cancer.
- President Indian Callege of allergy Asthma and Applied Immunology-Promoted Allergy and Asthma.
- Vice-Chairman, National Task Force far Medical College Involvement in NTEP - Played a key role in integrating medical institutions into India's tuberculasis contral pragrams.
- Chairman Uttar Pradesh TB Association Contributed Immensely Health Education in Public for tuberculosis and removing Stigma against Tuberculosis.
- President Indian Cancer Society, Uttar Pradesh Branch contibuted in education about Health Hazards of tabacco Use, Smoking, Specially Bidi Smaking which is highly prevalent in the community.
His determinate leadership has left a lasting impact on India’s fight against respiratory diseases and resulted in drastic drop in rates of tuberculosis.
As A Social Worker
Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s commitment to public health extends far beyond hospitals and academic institutions.
He has been at the forefront of efforts to combat tuberculosis, COPD, asthma, and lung cancer through extensive awareness campaigns, free health camps, and rural outreach programs.
He has delivered over 325 public awareness lectures, led numerous health rallies, and played a pivotal role in Doordarshan’s health program “Kalyani”, which revolutionized rural health education across India.
As a member of the Internal Advisory Committee of Help U Educational and Charitable Trust, Dr. Prasad has contributed to 450+ welfare initiatives, ensuring healthcare access for underprivileged communities.
His expertise and dedication have also been recognized globally — he was appointed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of India to the Joint Monitoring Mission of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) in 2006, 2015, and 2019.
His determinate leadership has left a lasting impact on India’s fight against respiratory diseases and resulted in drastic drop in rates of tuberculosis.