Vallath Balakrishnan, MD, 83, died March 20, The New Indian Express reports.
Dr. Balakrishnan was one of the first two gastroenterologists in India to obtain a doctor of medicine degree, atop his medical degree.
He also played an essential role in establishing one of the first GI departments in India, which he did at Thiruvananthapuram, India-based Trivandrum Medical College in 1972.
Dr. Balakrishnan is survived by his wife, son and daughter.