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Pediatric Education and Research 13(2 (Special Supplement -I)):p 296-298, July-December 2025. | DOI: 10.21088/per.2321.1644.13225.67
Review Article
Dr. Maharaj Kishan Bhan: A Visionary in Child Health and Innovation
Samarth Vidyasagar Patil,, Kasumbiwal Ajay H, Lakhe Siddheshwar A, Mundhe Sudarshan R
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Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
Pediatric Education and Research 13(2 (Special Supplement -I)):p 296-298, July-December 2025. | DOI: 10.21088/per.2321.1644.13225.67
How Cite This Article:
Kasumbiwal Ajay H., Lakhe Siddheshwar A., Mundhe Sudarshan R., et al. Dr. Maharaj Kishan Bhan: A Visionary in Child Health and Innovation. Pediatr. Edu. Res. 2025; 13(2): 296-298Timeline
Received : December 10, 2025
Accepted : December 29, 2025
Published : December 31, 2025
Abstract
Dr. Maharaj Kishan Bhan was an eminent Indian pediatrician and public-health researcher whose work reshaped child healthcare across the country. He is most widely known for leading the development of Rotavac, India’s first indigenous rotavirus vaccine, which significantly reduced preventable childhood deaths caused by diarrheal disease. His contributions extended far beyond vaccine development, influencing child nutrition programs, oral rehydration therapy, zinc supplementation strategies, and large-scale public-health initiatives aimed at improving survival among vulnerable children. As both a scientist and policymaker, Dr. Bhan played a central role in strengthening India’s biotechnology ecosystem by promoting translational research, supporting innovation hubs, and fostering institutional growth. This review highlights his major scientific achievements, the challenges he faced throughout his career, and the broader impact of his work on child health and national healthcare capacity in India. Key Messages: Dr. M.K. Bhan’s affordable rotavirus vaccine and child-health innovations significantly reduced childhood mortality in India. His work shows how evidence-based, community- focused research can transform public-health outcomes.
References
- 1. Department of Biotechnology. DBT Annual Report 2012–2013. 2013. Available from: http://dbtindia.gov.in
- 2. Raghunathan A. Dr. M.K. Bhan: The vaccine visionary who brought science and compassion together. The Print. 2020 Jan 27. Available from: https://theprint.in/opinion/dr-m-k-bhan-thevaccine-visionary-who-brought- science-andcompassion-together/354698/
- 3. Sharma N. Pioneer of India’s rotavirus vaccine, Dr. M.K. Bhan passes away. India Today. 2020 Jan 26. Available from: https://www. indiatoday.in/india/story/dr- mk-bhanpasses-away-1640188-2020-01-26
- 4. Sinha K. India launches first indigenously developed rotavirus vaccine. Times of India. 2014 Mar 10. Available from: https:// timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indialaunches-first-indigenously- developedrotavirus-vaccine/articleshow/31820147.cms
Data Sharing Statement
There are no additional data available. All raw data and code are available upon request.
Funding
This research received no funding.
Author Contributions
All authors contributed significantly to the work and approve its publication.
Ethics Declaration
This article does not involve any human or animal subjects, and therefore does not require ethics approval.
Acknowledgements
We would like to express our gratitude to the patients, their families, and all those who have contributed to this study.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.
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Cite this article
Kasumbiwal Ajay H., Lakhe Siddheshwar A., Mundhe Sudarshan R., et al. Dr. Maharaj Kishan Bhan: A Visionary in Child Health and Innovation. Pediatr. Edu. Res. 2025; 13(2): 296-298
Licence:
Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
| Received | Accepted | Published |
|---|---|---|
| December 10, 2025 | December 29, 2025 | December 31, 2025 |
DOI: 10.21088/per.2321.1644.13225.67
Keywords
Rotavirus vaccinePediatricsChild healthPublic health innovationDiarrheal diseaseNutritionVaccine developmentTranslational researchSearch for Similar Articles
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Timeline
| Received | December 10, 2025 |
| Accepted | December 29, 2025 |
| Published | December 31, 2025 |
licence
Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)
This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
