Bengaluru: Indian cardiac surgeon and Narayana Health founder and chairman Dr Devi Prasad Shetty has been awarded France’s highest honour Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Mérite (Knight of the National Order of Merit) for his support to the French community in Bengaluru during COVID-19 pandemic.
The honour was presented by the Consulate General of France in Bengaluru at a function held at Narayana Health City on November 5, 2026. Dr Shetty was honoured for his assistance to French Consulate and wider French community when pandemic had created unprecedented healthcare and logistical challenges.
Narayana Health said Dr Shetty and his organisation provided vaccination drives and logistical support during the public health crisis. Cooperation and solidarity were shown in this way, they added.
Why Has France Honoured Dr Devi Shetty?
The French government honoured Dr Shetty for his generosity, availability and commitment to helping the French community in Bengaluru during COVID-19 pandemic.
VIDEO | Bengaluru: Indian doctor and Narayana Health founder and chairman Dr Devi Shetty has been conferred the French government's prestigious Knight of the National Order of Merit. The honour recognises his assistance and cooperation extended to the French community in Bengaluru during the COVID-19 pandemic. @NarayanaHealth (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/bIyFWTfmBd)
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 6, 2026
During the health crisis Narayana Health opened its facilities and offered support to the French Consulate and members of the French community. This included vaccination programmes as well as logistical arrangements when access to healthcare services or other resources was particularly difficult.
French Consul General in Bengaluru Marc Lamy said Dr Shetty’s contribution was recognised at the ceremony.
He said the award was recognition of solidarity spirit and friendship between France and India and Dr Shetty’s consistent support to French community during pandemic.
This recognition is what makes healthcare institutions and medical professionals so important in public health emergencies: they help people outside their own communities as well.
Dr Devi Shetty Responds To French Government's Honour
Dr Devi Shetty thanked the French government for the recognition and his hospital teams.
He said extending support to the French community during the pandemic was important because it was a difficult time for everyone.
Shetty also thanked Narayana Health teams who made the assistance possible.
The cardiac surgeon said standing together and helping each other was what mattered most during the unprecedented crisis.
What Is France's National Order Of Merit?
The Ordre national du Mérite (French: National Order of Merit) is one of two national orders of distinction in France. It was created on December 3, 1963 by French president Charles de Gaulle.
It is France's second highest national order of distinction (after the Legion of Honour).
The award recognises distinguished service and outstanding contribution by French citizens as well as foreign nationals in civilian and military fields. People from public and private sectors can receive the honour.
The National Order of Merit has five grades:
- Knight (Chevalier)
- Officer (Officier)
- Commander (Commandeur)
- Grand Officer (Grand Officier)
- Grand Cross (Grand-Croix)
Dr Shetty has been awarded Knight distinction for his work with the French community in Bengaluru during the pandemic.
Who Is Dr Devi Prasad Shetty?
Dr Devi Prasad Shetty is an Indian cardiac surgeon, healthcare entrepreneur and founder and chairman of Narayana Health.
He is known for making specialised medical treatment more affordable and accessible in India. Through Narayana Health he has helped develop healthcare delivery models that focus on providing quality medical services to a larger population.
Narayana Health was founded in Bengaluru and has become a major healthcare network with hospitals and facilities across multiple locations.
Dr Shetty has also been recognised nationally and internationally for his contribution to medicine and healthcare.
Among his honours are the Padma Shri in 2004 and Padma Bhushan in 2012 from Government of India.
India-France Relations And Healthcare Cooperation
Her award also reminds us how important it is for India and France to work together during global health emergencies.
COVID-19 brought huge challenges to communities in countries around the world foreign nationals living away from their home countries.
Narayana Health showed how healthcare institutions can help international communities during emergencies by assisting the French Consulate and the French community in Bengaluru.
The French government’s recognition of this contribution is a sign that humanitarian cooperation across national boundaries is important and should be acknowledged.
Comments