Dr M K Mani, pioneer of nephrology in India and currently chief nephrologist at the Apollo Hospital was on 20 October 2011 declared the winner of the 40th Dhanvantari Award. Mani pioneered innovative techniques and new regimen in management of kidney disorders.
He is the recipient of many awards including Padma Bhushan and the Ravindranath Tagore award and has over 125 publications to his credit. He was awarded honorary Doctorate of Science from several universities. Mani became well-known after he gave a fresh lease of life to Jairakash Narayan, who was suffering from kidney ailment.
The prestigious award, which recognises contribution in medical science, is being awarded annually since 1972. The other recipients include Dr Denton A Cooley from Houston and pioneer heart transplant surgeon Dr Christian Bernard from South Africa.
