Jananeethi & Jananeethi Institute condole
the sudden demise of Dr. C.R. Soman
 

Dr. C.R.Soman, a renouned public health activist and former professor & head, department of nutrition, medical college, Thiruvananthapuram, died on 6^th November 2009 in Thiruvananthapuram following heart attack and a cardiac surgery. Jananeethi and Jananeethi Institute deeply condole his unexpected death and place on record our admiration and respects for his prophetic role in fighting corruption and unethical practices in medical profession and health care in Kerala.

Dr.Soman was a great friend of Jananeethi and had associated with Jananeethi in many respects. He was our guide and mentor in the Study on Clinical Drug Trials on human subjects in Kerala, Jananeethi is currently engaged in. An hour before the nasty cardiac arrest on the 5^th November, Dr.Soman had spent much time with Advocate P.Sunilkumar of Jananeethi discussing the various issues of unethical practices prevailing in clinical drug trials in Kerala. In fact he had requested Jananeethi to take lead role in the area of medical ethics as he himself was feeling that he won’t have to take greater risks due to failing health.

Dr.Soman was MD in Bio-Chemistry and M Sc in Nutrition. He was different and distinct in vision and mission. He got actively involved in all social issues, particularly in community health. Through out his life, he was a fighter of evil forces in medical profession. In 1993, together with his close associates and students, he started Health Action by People, an NGO for democratization of health care and promotion of health awareness among people. He has been at the forefront of campaigns to make every Keralite aware of the need to change the lifestyle of Malayalees to improve their health. Santhwana was another public health initiative conceptualised by Dr.Soman to screen people for heart attacks and diabetes.

Dr.Soman had the courage to speak truth despite its consequences. His was a multi-disciplinary personality. He was thinker, activist, teacher and a celebrated artist as well. His mastery over languages was amazing. He always represented profound ethical standards and democratic, secular values with extra-ordinary simplicity.

- Jananeethi Family -

November 7, 2009