UPSC Prelims 2005 Q20: Current Affairs – Indian Government Schemes & Initiatives
Which one of the following is the landmark performance of Dr.
V. Mohan Reddy, an Indian born doctor working in USA, during February, 2005
- (a) Research on human stem cell which is likely to revolutionise treatment of deadly disease like cancer
- (b) Successful open heart procedure called arterial switch performed on an infant
- (c) Research on genetic engineering which can help in treatment of deadly disease like AIDS
- (d) Successful brain surgery to revive the function of nearly dead brain of a premature born infant
Answer: (b) Successful open heart procedure called arterial switch performed on an infant
Explanation
Dr V. Mohan Reddy's landmark work (February 2005)
| Option | Link to Dr Mohan Reddy |
|---|---|
| Arterial switch on an infant | Yes — open heart procedure on a newborn |
| Stem cell research | Not his work |
| AIDS genetic engineering | Not his work |
| Brain surgery on premature infant | Not his work |
Dr V. Mohan Reddy, chief of paediatric cardiac surgery at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford, performed a successful arterial switch open heart operation on a one-week-old premature baby weighing only about 700 grams (operated on 6 February 2005; reported 16 February 2005).
Answer: (b) Successful open heart procedure called arterial switch performed on an infant.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. He is a cardiac surgeon, not a stem cell researcher.
- (b) CORRECT. Arterial switch on an infant.
- (c) Incorrect. He did not work on AIDS genetics.
- (d) Incorrect. He is not a neurosurgeon.
Key point
Dr V. Mohan Reddy: paediatric heart surgeon, arterial switch procedure.
Remember
Dr V. Mohan Reddy: arterial switch operation on a 700-gram premature baby, Stanford, February 2005.
Common mistakes
- Assuming any Indian-origin doctor abroad is a researcher.
- Confusing cardiac with neurological surgery.
- Mixing with Dr Hari Prasad or other names in the news.
Exam tip
Current-affairs doctors: match name to specialty.
Sources
- Stanford University School of Medicine — News release, 16 February 2005: "Complex heart surgery at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital saves life of tiny preemie"
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery — "Stanford Surgeon with a Big Heart" (profile of V. Mohan Reddy)