Renowned Nephrologist Dr. George P Abraham found dead, Cites declining skills in suicide note

By Sagaya Fernando | March 5, 2025

Ernakulam, India – Dr. George P Abraham, a pioneering nephrologist and senior surgeon, was found dead at his farmhouse in the South Indian state of Kerala’s Ernakulam district late on March 2. Authorities recovered a suicide note in which he cited declining surgical proficiency as the reason for his death. He was 74.

Dr. Abraham, a leader in kidney transplantation with over 2,500 successful procedures in a 25-year career spab, reportedly suffered from hand tremors following back surgery six months ago. Sources indicate that the condition affected his ability to perform surgeries with precision.

The esteemed surgeon, affiliated with a leading private hospital in Kochi, had arrived at his farmhouse in Thuruthissery with his brother earlier in the evening. He later dropped his brother off and returned alone. His body was discovered hanging later that night.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death and the authenticity of the suicide note.

Dr. Abraham was a trailblazer in nephrology, credited with performing Kerala’s first cadaver transplant and pioneering several advanced procedures, including percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and 3D laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. He was also the third surgeon globally to conduct a laparoscopic renal transplant on a living donor.

His passing marks a significant loss for the global medical community, particularly in the field of nephrology and organ transplantation.