Dr TS Kler was awarded Padma Bhushan in 2005 and Dr Neelam Kler received it in 2014
Cardiologist Dr TS Kler, and neonatologist wife Dr Neelam Kler have been conferred with an Honorary Fellowship of the Punjab Academy of Sciences, in recognition of their contributions to their respective fields.
Dr TS Kler, leading cardiologist and electrophysiologist, has contributed in a major way to several pioneering developments in the field of cardiology in India. His contributions have been particularly remarkable in developing the field of interventional cardiology that has revolutionised cardiac care and treatment. Currently Executive Director (Cardiac Sciences), Head of Department (Cardiology) and Director Electrophysiology at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute in New Delhi, Dr TS Kler was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2005 for his achievements and contributions.
Dr Kler recently marked a major breakthrough in the field of cardiac electrophysiology by performing India’s first pacemaker implant via ‘His Bundle’ pacing, a technique that reportedly saves more lives in the longer run as against the traditional implant procedure.
“It is a distinguished honour to be recognised for your achievements by a prestigious body of doctors, scientists and other colleagues in the medical fraternity. Knowledge sharing and exchange of information is extremely vital if we desire to ensure that all Indians have access to good healthcare services and doctors, be it in New Delhi or a small town in Punjab. I am humbled by this conferring of honorary fellowship and life membership and pledge to do my best in promoting the knowledge sharing activities of the Academy,” said Dr Kler.
A distinguished neonatologist, Dr Neelam Kler, has been instrumental in transforming the concept of neonatal care in India, from a non-existent field to an indispensable speciality today. When Dr Neelam Kler joined Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in 1988, new born care in India was just an emerging field. Over last 25 years, she has worked to develop a state-of-the-art department of neonatology.
Dr Neelam Kler is currently Chairperson, Department of Neonatology, Centre for Child Health, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi; and Professor of Neonatology at GRIPMER.
“As a neonatologist who has worked for quarter of a century towards a relentless pursuit of making the best neo-natal care and technology available in India, the still high neonatal mortality rates in the country, makes me immensely sad. As a community of healthcare providers we should make collective efforts to improving healthcare delivery and availability of better life-saving technology across the nook and corners of the country. I am thankful to the Academy for giving me another platform to take this message to more of my colleagues across India,” said Dr Neelam Kler.
The two eminent Indian doctors were conferred honour at the annual conference of the Punjab Academy of Sciences held at Desh Bhagat University, Gobindgarh. The Academy bestows Honorary Fellowship on distinguished doctors from diverse fields with a mutual objective of enriching its membership and recognising great achievers.