Dr G V Rao calls honour a collective achievement, credits AIG teamwork

Hyderabad: Dr G V Rao, Director and Chief Surgeon of Gastroenterology at AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, has described his recent recognition with Padma Shri as a collective achievement, underscoring the role of teamwork, institutional commitment and shared purpose in advancing patient care and medical excellence.

Expressing deep gratitude, Dr Rao said the honour was not an individual milestone but a reflection of the collective efforts of the entire AIG Hospitals ecosystem. He acknowledged the contributions of surgeons, clinicians, nurses, technicians, administrators and all members of the AIG family whose dedication, he said, enables excellence in healthcare delivery on a daily basis. Dr Rao paid special tribute to Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr D Nageshwar Reddy, Founder-Chairman of AIG Hospitals, describing him as a constant source of support and inspiration throughout his professional journey. He also highlighted the crucial role played by scientists and researchers working alongside clinicians in translating clinical challenges into impactful research, innovation and improved patient outcomes.

Thanking the Government of India and the Government of Telangana for the recognition, Dr Rao noted that the honour acknowledged a broad spectrum of contributions extending beyond the operating theatre. These include institution building, academic training, research initiatives and community service, which he said have remained central to his mission in medicine.

Emphasising the importance of nurturing future talent, Dr Rao said training the next generation of surgeons, strengthening healthcare institutions and ensuring access to quality care for all sections of society have been key priorities throughout his career.

Stating that the recognition reaffirmed his belief in medicine as a blend of skill, science, compassion and social responsibility, Dr Rao said he remains committed to patient care, mentoring young medical professionals and contributing to the continued growth of India’s healthcare sector.