Dr. Digambar Behera: A Pioneer of Pulmonary Medicine and Tuberculosis Control in India

India’s healthcare sector has produced many outstanding physicians who have transformed medical science through their expertise, research, and service to society. Among them, Dr. Digambar Behera occupies a distinguished place for his remarkable contributions to pulmonary medicine, tuberculosis control, and lung cancer treatment. A respected clinician, researcher, teacher, and administrator, Dr. Behera has spent more than four decades advancing respiratory healthcare in India and improving the lives of countless patients. His achievements were recognized nationally when he was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honours, in 2020.

Early Life and Education

Dr. Digambar Behera was born in 1953 in Cuttack district of Odisha. His journey to becoming one of India’s most respected pulmonologists was far from easy. Coming from a modest rural background, he faced significant economic challenges during his childhood. According to reports, he often walked several kilometers barefoot to attend school and helped his family with agricultural work while pursuing his education. These hardships, however, strengthened his determination to succeed.

His academic brilliance enabled him to pursue medical studies at the prestigious SCB Medical College in Odisha. He completed his MBBS degree in 1978 and subsequently joined the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, where he earned his MD degree in 1981. His postgraduate training laid the foundation for a distinguished career in respiratory medicine.

Beginning of a Distinguished Medical Career

After completing his medical education, Dr. Behera joined PGIMER as a junior resident in the Department of Medicine in 1978. His dedication, clinical skills, and passion for research quickly distinguished him among his peers. Over the years, he developed a deep interest in pulmonary medicine, a specialty focused on diseases affecting the lungs and respiratory system.

In 1984, he joined the Department of Pulmonary Medicine as a faculty member. Through continuous hard work and academic excellence, he rose through the ranks and became a Professor in 2000. His career at PGIMER was marked by outstanding contributions in patient care, teaching, and scientific research.

Leadership at PGIMER

Dr. Behera’s expertise and administrative capabilities led to his appointment as the Head of the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at PGIMER. He later served as Dean (Research), helping shape the institute’s research agenda and promoting evidence-based medical practice. He was also among the top contenders for the position of Director of PGIMER, reflecting the high regard in which he was held within the institution.

Under his leadership, the Department of Pulmonary Medicine strengthened its reputation as one of India’s leading centers for respiratory disease management and research. Numerous students and young doctors benefited from his mentorship, many of whom went on to become respected physicians and researchers themselves.

Contributions to Tuberculosis Control

One of Dr. Behera’s most significant contributions has been in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), a disease that remains a major public health challenge in India. Throughout his career, he actively participated in research, policy formulation, and implementation strategies aimed at reducing the burden of TB.

He served as Chairman of the National Task Force for the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), contributing to India’s efforts to eliminate the disease. He was also associated with the Indian Tuberculosis Research Consortium and various national research initiatives focused on improving TB diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

His work helped strengthen scientific understanding of tuberculosis and supported the development of more effective public health interventions.

Pioneer in Lung Cancer Treatment

Dr. Behera is widely recognized as a pioneer in lung cancer chemotherapy in India. At a time when advanced cancer treatment was inaccessible to many patients, he worked to develop affordable and effective treatment approaches. His efforts helped thousands of patients receive quality care without facing prohibitive medical costs.

Recognizing the growing burden of lung cancer in India, he founded the Indian Society for the Study of Lung Cancer, an organization dedicated to promoting research, education, and awareness regarding lung cancer. Through this initiative, he helped bring together experts from across the country to improve patient outcomes and advance scientific knowledge.

Academic and Research Excellence

Beyond clinical medicine, Dr. Behera has made extraordinary contributions to medical research. He has authored more than 500 scientific publications and presented over 580 research papers at national and international conferences. His work spans tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, lung cancer, respiratory infections, and public health.

He has also authored and co-authored several important medical textbooks on pulmonary and respiratory medicine, helping educate generations of physicians. His scholarly contributions have earned him recognition both in India and abroad.

In addition, Dr. Behera has been associated with numerous scientific journals and professional organizations. He has served on editorial boards and contributed to the advancement of respiratory medicine through academic leadership.

International Recognition

Dr. Behera’s expertise has earned him international respect. He is a Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians, the National Academy of Medical Sciences, and the Asia Pacific Society of Respirology. Throughout his career, he has participated in international conferences, collaborative research projects, and academic exchanges, helping place Indian respiratory medicine on the global map.

His academic engagements have taken him to more than 80 countries, allowing him to share knowledge and learn from global best practices in respiratory healthcare.

Awards and Honours

Dr. Digambar Behera’s exceptional contributions have been recognized through numerous national and international awards. Some of the most notable include:

• Padma Shri (2020), India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
• Dr. B. C. Roy Award (2004), one of India’s most prestigious medical honours.
• Karel Styblo Public Health Prize (2009) for contributions to tuberculosis control.
• PRJ Gangadharam Award (2015) for excellence in pulmonary medicine and tuberculosis research.

These awards reflect his lifelong dedication to medical science, patient care, and public health.

Legacy and Inspiration

The story of Dr. Digambar Behera is a powerful example of perseverance, excellence, and service. Rising from humble beginnings in rural Odisha to become one of India’s foremost respiratory specialists, he has demonstrated how determination and commitment can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.

His contributions have strengthened India’s healthcare system, advanced pulmonary medicine, improved tuberculosis control efforts, and provided hope to countless patients suffering from respiratory diseases. As a physician, educator, researcher, and leader, Dr. Behera has left a lasting impact on Indian medicine.

Today, he continues to be regarded as one of the most influential figures in respiratory healthcare, inspiring future generations of doctors to pursue excellence while remaining committed to serving humanity.