Dr. Mathew Samuel Kalarickal, a towering figure in Indian cardiology and widely celebrated as the “Father of Angioplasty” in India, passed away on April 18, 2025, at Apollo Hospital in Chennai following a brief illness. He was 77.
A trailblazer in the field of interventional cardiology, Dr. Kalarickal made history in 1986 by performing India’s first angioplasty. His work laid the foundation for widespread adoption of the procedure across the country, revolutionizing cardiac care. Beyond India, he played a crucial role in setting up angioplasty programmes in several Asia-Pacific nations.
Born on January 6, 1948, in Kerala, he completed his medical degree at Kottayam Medical College, followed by postgraduate studies in Chennai. He later trained in the United States under the legendary Andreas Gruentzig, known as the father of interventional cardiology.
In a 1997 interview, Dr. Kalarickal recalled his return to India in 1985, a time when the country lagged a decade behind the West in interventional procedures. Driven by a deep sense of duty and a desire to improve treatment options for heart patients, he chose to return home and spearhead the practice of angioplasty in India. “The satisfaction I get from helping establish angioplasty here is beyond what money can buy,” he had said.
During his initial year, just 18 patients underwent the procedure. But by the very next year, the number surged to 150, signaling the beginning of a medical transformation. Over the years, he trained countless doctors and set up angioplasty programmes not only in India but also in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Muscat, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia.
One of his long-time colleagues, Dr. Sai Satish, senior interventional cardiologist at Apollo Hospitals, and a direct mentee of Dr. Kalarickal, said, “There will never be another Dr. Mathew Samuel Kalarickal in my life. He shaped me in ways few others could. Every time I walk into a cath lab, I will feel his presence.”
Dr. Kalarickal was honored with several prestigious awards during his lifetime, including the Padma Shri in 2000, the Dr. B.C. Roy Award in 1996, and an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University in 2003. He also served as president of the Asian-Pacific Society of Interventional Cardiology between 1995 and 1997.
Mumbai-based advocate C.S. Lodha, a patient turned close friend, remembered him as not only a medical pioneer but also a compassionate friend and family man. “He treated some of the most high-profile patients in India, and yet he remained humble and dedicated to his mission. Even during his illness, he continued to serve his patients and mentor young doctors.”
N. Ram, director of The Hindu Publishing Group, said, “Dr. Mathew was one of the most brilliant and compassionate physicians I’ve ever met. He was truly a genius in his field.”
Dr. Kalarickal is survived by his wife Bina Mathew, daughter Anna Mathew, and son Sam Mathew.
His funeral will be held on April 21 at St. Peter’s Mar Thoma Church in Kottayam, Kerala. A memorial service is scheduled for April 26 at the Chetpet Mar Thoma Syrian Christian Church in Chennai.
