Kirpal Singh Chugh, who was fondly called the 'father of nephrology in India', passed away here on Sunday at the age of 85.
Chugh was suffering from blood cancer since last two years and was admitted to the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) here a few days ago, his family said.
He is survived by his wife Harjeet Chugh (80) and two sons — Sumeet and Sumant, both doctors and settled in the US.
Chugh was emeritus professor and former head of department of nephrology at the PGIMER.
He was a recipient of several national and international awards, including the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, in 2000, said an official spokesman of the PGIMER.
Chugh's demise is "a great loss to the super speciality of nephrology". The International Society of Nephrology had acknowledged the pioneering work and outstanding contributions of Dr Chugh and had included him amongst 50 legends in nephrology, the spokesman said.
Prof Chugh had 413 papers including 38 chapters published in national and international journals and books.