Dr. Bhagawan Koirala – A Lifesaver, Visionary, and Social Reformer

Photo Source: Social Media/Bhagawan Koirala

Dr. Bhagawan Koirala (Nepali: भगवान कोइराला) is a renowned Nepali cardiothoracic surgeon, social reformer, and professor who has revolutionized cardiac care in Nepal. Born on July 24, 1960, in Palpa, Nepal, he is widely respected for pioneering open-heart surgery and making advanced heart treatments accessible to underprivileged populations. His dedication to both medical excellence and social welfare has cemented his place as one of Nepal’s most admired figures.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Dr. Bhagawan Koirala

• Born: July 24, 1960 • Palpa, Nepal

• Profession: Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Social Worker, Professor

• Known For: Leading Nepal's first open-heart and heart transplant surgeries

• Parents: Balaram Koirala (Father), Laxmi Devi Koirala (Mother)

• Spouse: Sandra Koirala (Zoology Professor)

• Children: Nirabh Koirala

Early Life and Inspiration

Raised in a modest family, Dr. Koirala was deeply influenced by the values of education and service. His early exposure to community challenges and a strong desire to help the sick motivated him to pursue medicine. A pivotal influence was his paramedic teacher in Kathmandu, who inspired him to specialize in cardiac surgery.

Education and Medical Training

• Primary Education: Palpa, Nepal

• Certificate in General Medicine: Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu

• Medical Degree (MD): Kharkiv National Medical University, Ukraine (1989)

• Post-Graduate in Cardiothoracic Surgery: National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Dhaka University, Bangladesh (1994)

• USMLE Certified

• Surgical Residency and Cardiac Fellowship: Baystate Medical Center, USA

• Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Fellowship: The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Canada (2000)

Medical Career and Achievements

Dr. Koirala began his career at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH), where he co-led Nepal’s first open-heart surgery in 1997. In 2001, he became the Executive Director of the Shahid Gangalal National Heart Center, transforming it into Nepal’s first state-of-the-art cardiac facility.

Notable Contributions:

• Performed or supervised over 14,000 heart surgeries (as of 2024)

• Led Nepal’s first heart transplant in 2016

• Trained and mentored numerous cardiac surgeons in Nepal

• Made heart surgeries affordable and accessible to the general population

• Introduced free cardiac services for underprivileged patients

Dr. Koirala also served as:

• Executive Director (Acting): Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Center

• Executive Director: Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital

• Executive Vice Chair: Commission for Health Professional Education

• Chairman: Nepal Medical Council

Humanitarian and Social Work

With the motto “No child in this country shall die of heart disease because of poverty,” Dr. Koirala is actively involved in numerous social initiatives:

• Chairman: Jayanti Memorial Trust – provides support to heart patients

• Founding Chairman: Kathmandu Institute of Child Health (KIOCH) – working to establish multi-specialty children's hospitals across Nepal

• Former Chairman: Karuna Foundation Nepal – supports disability prevention and rehabilitation

He has organized numerous free heart camps in rural Nepal and led campaigns to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease prevention.

Professional Memberships and Honors

• Life Member: Nepal Medical Association, Cardiac Society of Nepal, Society of Surgeons of Nepal, Nepal Heart Foundation

• Fellow:

  • Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (FRCS Ed, 2024)

  • American College of Cardiology (FACC)

• Member:

  • Society of Thoracic Surgeons (USA)

  • Indian Association of Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgeons (Honorary Overseas Fellow)

  • America Nepal Medical Foundation

Personal Life

Dr. Koirala is married to Sandra Koirala, a zoology professor. Their son, Nirabh Koirala, is currently pursuing higher education at Grinnell College, Iowa, USA. Known for his humility and compassion, Dr. Koirala is a deeply respected figure in both his personal and professional life.

Legacy

Dr. Bhagawan Koirala’s legacy is one of visionary leadership, unparalleled surgical expertise, and unwavering compassion. He has redefined cardiac care in Nepal and established institutions that continue to serve thousands of patients. Beyond medicine, his philanthropic initiatives have reshaped public healthcare and inspired countless medical professionals.

He remains a symbol of hope and dedication, whose impact will resonate in Nepal’s medical history for generations to come.