Humanitarian efforts
He established the K.G. Eye Hospital, where 85,000 free cataract surgeries have been done for the poor. The eye surgeries were paid for by Lions club.Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam, the former president of India, appreciated KG Hospital's efforts in his book India 2020.
Under Dr Bakthavathsalam's leadership, KG Hospital has performed 1600 free heart surgeries and 1,500 dialysis free of cost. Under KG Hospital's little hearts scheme, 500 heart operations have been performed on children and 35,000 children have been screen for heart diseases, free of cost.
Further, over 300,000 adults have been screen free of cost for blood pressure and 35,000 accident victims have been saved. KG Hospital routinely conducts rural medical camps - 14 lakh + people have been screen free through this initiative.
KG Hospital provided free treatment to 250 bomb blast victims at Coimbatore in 1998 and contributed substantially for the victims of the Kargil War, Gujarat earthquake, the kumbakonam fire tragedy, tsunami, and the recent Kerala floods.
Positions held
Bakthavathsalam has held numerous positions in his career in the healthcare sector and has chaired in the following positions: Prof. of Surgery, Govt. Royapettah Hospital, Madras, Registrar of Surgery, Coimbatore Medical College, (1969–73) |. Surgical Registrar - Altoona Hospital, Altoona, Pennsylvania, U.S.A, (1973) | Fellow in GI Endoscopy at Tokyo University, Japan (1984) | Consultant Surgeon - G. Kuppusamy Naidu Memorial Hospital, Coimbatore (1978) | Recognized Guide for Ph.D. research students of Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, (since 1985) | Hon. Prof. of Surgery - PSG Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Coimbatore (1988)
He has served as president of: Uro Lithiasis Project Scheme (ICMR), Indian Medical Association (1986–87), Association of Surgeons of India — Coimbatore, Accident Care Association of Coimbatore, Coimbatore Hospitals' Association, Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy of India (1991)
Memberships
He has also been a member of national and regional committees in India, including the following.
Medical Council of India, New Delhi (1972–1990), Planning Board, Dr. M.G.R.Medical University, Chennai (1994), Planning Board, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore (1990), Syndicate, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore (1983–86), Senate, Bharathiyar University, Coimbatore (1990–93), Board of Governors — Indira Gandhi School of Management, Pondicherry University (1990), Executive Committee, Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu State Telephone Advisory Committee
He currently holds management positions in various KG Group ventures, including KG Hospital, The Kannapiran Mills, The Kadri Mills, KG Healthcare, and KG Information Systems Private Limited.
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