Patiala orthopaedic surgeon Dr Ratan Lal Mittal gets Padma Shri, his pioneering work recognised

Patiala, November 9

Octogenarian Dr Ratan Lal Mittal, a renowned orthopaedic surgeon from Patiala, received Padma Shri for his contribution in the field of medicine.

Dr Mittal, a former professor and head of the Orthopaedic Department at Government Medical College, Patiala, is known for performing rare clubfoot surgeries free of cost. Dr Mittal has done cutting-edge research on severe, rigid and neglected clubfoot deformities — highly prevalent in lower and middle income countries, including India.

Notably, Dr Mittal, in September, had performed an unprecedented corrective surgery of world’s first S-shaped foot deformity on a 10-year-old kid.

While talking to The Tribune, he said, “This is award for my contribution to pioneering work in clubfoot surgery technique. With this technique that I invented, any type of clubfoot deformity can be corrected. I am thankful to the Government of India for giving recognition to my research work.” Dr Mittal said his research work started at the Anatomy Museum of Government Medical College, Patiala, in early 1970s. — TNS