Prof Binu Luke is a distinguished health expert and extraordinary associate professor at AUTHeR in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU). In February 2024, the South African Medical Association (SAMA) gave due recognition for his exceptional contributions by nominating him for the prestigious Extraordinary Service to Medicine Award at the SAMA Merit Awards 2024. This award acknowledges Prof Luke's outstanding dedication and expertise in the field of medicine.

Prof Luke's journey in medicine began in 1991, when he qualified as a medical doctor (MBBS) in India. His passion for excellence led him to pursue further specialisation, obtaining his degree as Doctor of Medicine (with a gold medal) and Diplomate National Board qualification in Internal Medicine in 1994. Since then, Prof Luke has been a trailblazer, obtaining his Fellowship of the College of Physicians of South Africa and Diploma in HIV Management, and leaving a significant mark in the field of medicine in South Africa. He was also awarded a Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians of London.

In 2010, Prof Luke assumed the role of head of the Clinical Department at the Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital in Klerksdorp, where he had served since 1996. Under his leadership and in collaboration with the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), the hospital evolved into a provincial tertiary hospital, offering a full range of tertiary services. Owing primarily to Prof Luke's vision and efforts, the hospital was transformed into an academic training site for Wits, training nearly 45 specialists at a time.

Prof Luke's commitment to medical education and training is commendable. He played a significant role in developing the revised two-year medical internship programme for the HPCSA by extending the training platform to include the district health system. He also plays a role in supporting regional and tertiary hospitals in North West as a technical adviser and serves as the programme manager of the national tertiary services grant budget for the province.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Prof Luke served as the technical lead for North West, demonstrating his commitment to public health and safety. His role as an adjunct professor at Wits further showcases his ongoing pursuit of academic excellence, where he supports clinical teaching and coordinates the North West academic platform.

In 2023, Prof Luke's valuable contributions to medical education and training were recognised with his appointment as an extraordinary associate professor at AUTHeR in the NWU Faculty of Health Sciences. His vision for establishing a medical school at the NWU, with the North West health facilities as the main clinical training platform, reflects his goal of advancing medical education in South Africa. He is currently the project lead for the NWU Medical School Project.

Prof Luke's nomination for the Extraordinary Service to Medicine Award at the SAMA Merit Awards 2024 speaks of exemplary leadership, expertise and dedication to the field of medicine. The university and the NWU Faculty of Health Sciences extend our congratulations on this well-deserved achievement and wish him continued success in his future endeavours.

“I am humbled by the recognition and attribute my contributions to the opportunities that the health system offered me over the years.” – Professor Binu Luke

Professor Binu Luke receives his award