Gulshan Rai Khatri
Award Name : Padma Shri
Year of Award : 2013
Award for : Medical
Location : Delhi, NCT, India
Gulshan Rai Khatri, is an Indian medical doctor and public
health specialist, known for his efforts in curbing the disease of tuberculosis
worldwide. He was honoured by the Government of India, in 2013, by bestowing on
him the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, for his contributions to
the fields of medicine and medical education. He
was born in Delhi, India. graduated in medicine from the Maulana Azad Medical
College in the city in 1966. He has also secured post graduate degrees of DPH
and MD with specialization in community medicine. Dr. Khatri joined the
Government of India in 1966, after his graduation, and, over the years, rose in
rank to head the nationwide tuberculosis programme. During his tenure, he
managed what is rated by many as the largest Directly Observed Short Course
(DOTS) TB and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment in history
which started with 18 million patients in 1998 and covered 500 million patients
at the time of his retirement from service in 2002. During this period, it is
reported that the death rate due to the disease was brought down to 5 per cent.
After his retirement, Dr. Khatri joined World Lung Foundation as a technical
advisor on lung health and also works as a member of the World Health
Organization Expert Advisory Panel on Tuberculosis. He also participates in
workshops and seminars to deliver keynote addresses as a global consultant.