Padma Shri Prof. Chittoor Mohammed Habeebullah

About Prof. C.M. Habeebullah

Padma Shri Prof. Chittoor Mohammed Habeebullah (1937–2010) was a towering figure in Indian medicine, whose legacy continues to shape the field of gastroenterology and liver research. A visionary physician, educator, and researcher, Prof. Habeebullah dedicated his life to advancing medical science and improving patient care across India.

Born in Andhra Pradesh in 1937, Prof. Habeebullah began his medical journey at Guntur Medical College, earning his MBBS in 1958. His passion for internal medicine led him to pursue an MD from Andhra University, followed by a DM in Gastroenterology from the prestigious Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. These formative years laid the foundation for a career marked by excellence, innovation, and service.

Academic and Administrative Leadership

Prof. Habeebullah’s academic career flourished at Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, where he joined as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Gastroenterology. His brilliance and dedication quickly elevated him to the position of Head of the Department, a role he held from 1975 to 1992. Under his leadership, the department became a center of excellence, attracting students and researchers from across the country.

In recognition of his administrative acumen, he was appointed Principal of Osmania Medical College from 1992 to 1994, and later served as the Director of Medical Education for the Government of Andhra Pradesh. His tenure was marked by reforms in medical education and the strengthening of clinical training programs.

Trailblazer in Liver Research

One of Prof. Habeebullah’s most enduring contributions was the establishment of the Centre for Liver Research and Diagnostics at the Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad. As its founding Director, he spearheaded pioneering research in liver diseases, including:

His work positioned India as a leader in hepatology and inspired a generation of researchers to pursue breakthroughs in liver health.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Habeebullah’s contributions were recognized nationally and internationally. He received the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2001, honoring his distinguished service in medicine

These honors reflect his stature as a global thought leader in gastroenterology and liver research.

Publications and Research Contributions

Prof. C. M. Habeebullah was not only a distinguished clinician and educator but also a prolific researcher whose work significantly advanced the understanding of liver diseases and gastroenterology in India. Over the course of his career, he authored and co-authored numerous scientific papers, many of which were published in leading national and international medical journals.

His research spanned a wide range of topics, including:

Hepatitis B and C epidemiology and treatment

Liver cirrhosis and its complications

Portal hypertension

Gastrointestinal bleeding

Stem cell applications in liver regeneration

Molecular diagnostics in hepatology

Prof. Habeebullah’s work was frequently cited and served as a foundation for further studies in liver pathology and therapeutic interventions. His publications were known for their clinical relevance, methodological rigor, and innovative approaches to treatment.

He was also a contributing editor to several medical journals and served on advisory boards for research institutions. His commitment to evidence-based medicine and translational research helped bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications.

A selection of his notable publications includes:

Articles in the Indian Journal of Gastroenterology

Contributions to Liver International and Journal of Hepatology

Research papers archived in databases such as PubFacts and Springer

You can explore his research through the following databases:

🔗 PubMed (NCBI) – Search for "C. M. Habeebullah" or "Habeebullah CM"

🔗 SpringerLink – Use keywords like “liver”, “hepatology”, “gastroenterology”

🔗 ScienceDirect – Advanced search with author name and liver-related terms

🔗 Google Scholar – Search: "C. M. Habeebullah gastroenterology"

His legacy in academic publishing continues to inspire young researchers and clinicians in the field of hepatology.

Legacy and Impact

Prof. Habeebullah authored numerous scientific papers and mentored hundreds of students, many of whom have gone on to become leaders in their own right. His passing in 2010, was a profound loss to the medical community. Yet, his legacy lives on through the institutions he built, the lives he touched, and the knowledge he shared.

Today, his name is synonymous with excellence in medical education and research. His life’s work continues to inspire clinicians, educators, and scientists across India and beyond.