CHANDIGARH, 23.11.24-Professor Emeritus at the prestigious Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh and Padma Shri awardee and Dr Digambar Behera took over President of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS).
Dr.Behera , who is also former dean of the PGIMER and currently Director of the Pulmonary Medicine and Critical care Medicine took over the charge from Dr S K Sarin, the outgoing President, during a convocation function to be held at the AIIMS, Jodhpur, where the Vice President of India was the Chief Guest of the event.
Dr. Behera who will remain President of NAMS for a period of 3 years joins the list of several other prominent doctors from PGIMER. Earlier Presidents include Dr P N Chutani, Dr B K Sharma, Dr N K Ganguly and Dr K K Talwar, all former Directors of PGI.
Dr.Behera is also an advisor to the Task force for National TB Elimination program of India. Earlier he was Director of the National Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung. He has 602 scientific publications, two text books on Pulmonary Medicine, five books, and has over 35 National awards and 9 International awards.
Dr. Behera said that he is proud to occupy this position which was earlier held by legendary medical Personalities of the country.
“My focus will be to keep up the traditions of the academy. I will work toward seeing that NAMS to contribute further to the medical education, research and health care delivery in the country,” said Dr Behra
The National Academy of Medical Sciences founded in 1961 inaugurated by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, the First Prime Minister of India is the highest Academic Body of eminent Medical and Biomedical scientists of India. Among the eminent NAMS Fellows are Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao, Dr BC Roy, Indira Gandhi, Dr.A PJ Abdul Kalam. The Academy fellows have been the recipients of highest civilian awards of the country. The NAMS has set-up various task forces to develop policy briefs for the govt. related to important national health and medical issues.