Kottayam: Dr Mathew Varghese, a renowned surgeon and the first superintendent of Kottayam Medical College passed away on Sunday at the age of 94. He was known for performing around 300 pancreatic surgeries and was the first in the world to present a scientific paper on the Tropical Calculus of Pancreatitis.

Dr Mathew's family hailed from Ayrorr in Pathanamthitta district. His father, a professor, worked in Andhra Pradesh, where Dr Mathew spent his childhood. He completed his MBBS degree from Stanley Medical College, Madras, in 1947 and later earned his FRCS in England. After returning to Kerala, he joined the government service as an assistant professor at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. He also pursued higher studies in the United States.

Before taking charge as the Superintendent of Kottayam Medical College in 1968, Dr Mathew served at Kozhikode Medical College.He was instrumental in relocating the Medical College from Kottayam General Hospital to its new building in Arpookara.

Known for his quick decision-making, he proved his leadership on numerous occasions during his tenure as Superintendent.

Dr Mathew retired from government service in 1986. He is survived by his wife, Marykutty, and their children: Varghese Mathew (US), ENT specialist Dr Mathew Kurian, surgeon Dr Mathew George (US), and surgeon Dr John Mathew (England). His daughters-in-law include Anupa (architect, US), Dr Mini (pathologist, England), Munna (US), and Dr Kshema (England).

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