Dr. Bishow Pokhrel: Advancing Cardiac Surgery in Nepal

Distinguished  Cardiac Surgeon  Award

Dr. Bishow Pokhrel, a cardiac surgeon at Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, has been honoured with the Outstanding Cardiac Surgery Excellence Award 2026 in recognition of his contribution to the advancement of specialised cardiac surgery in Nepal. His professional journey reflects a combination of surgical expertise, academic commitment, innovation and a strong dedication to improving access to advanced cardiac care.

Dr. Pokhrel’s clinical expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of adult and congenital cardiac surgery, including cardiac surgical intensive care, valve repair and replacement, coronary artery surgery and aortic procedures. He completed his MBBS from the University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh, and subsequently earned his PhD from Kobe University, Japan, strengthening his academic and research foundation in cardiovascular medicine.

He also serves as an Assistant Professor at the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS), Bir Hospital, where he contributes to postgraduate and super-specialised medical education. In addition, he serves as a Supervisor for FCPS in Pakistan, extending his academic engagement beyond Nepal and contributing to the development of future medical specialists.

Precision, Innovation and Surgical Excellence

A notable aspect of Dr. Pokhrel’s surgical practice is his proficiency in beating-heart coronary artery bypass surgery, a technique that allows coronary bypass procedures to be performed without stopping the heart or using a heart-lung machine. For appropriately selected patients, particularly those considered higher risk, this approach can provide an important alternative to conventional bypass surgery.

He has also introduced sutureless heart valve implantation in selected cases in Nepal. This technology is designed to simplify valve replacement and potentially reduce operative time. His adoption of emerging surgical approaches demonstrates his interest in incorporating contemporary techniques into Nepal’s cardiac-care landscape while maintaining careful patient selection and clinical judgment.

Another area of his practice is minimally invasive cardiac surgery, performed through smaller incisions in appropriately selected patients. The technique, increasingly used at specialised cardiac centres internationally, represents a continuing evolution toward less invasive surgical approaches.

Expanding the Frontiers of Cardiac Care

Looking toward the future, Dr. Pokhrel has expressed an ambition to pursue further specialisation in heart transplantation and robotic cardiac surgery—fields that are not yet routinely practised in Nepal. He is preparing for specialised training and observerships in Europe and India to gain exposure to established international practices and advanced surgical systems.

The introduction of such highly specialised services in Nepal would require substantial institutional investment, specialised infrastructure, multidisciplinary expertise and coordinated support across cardiology, anaesthesia, surgery and critical care. His interest in these areas reflects a broader vision of expanding the country’s capacity for complex cardiovascular treatment.

Medicine with a Social Purpose

Beyond his clinical and academic responsibilities, Dr. Pokhrel is associated with Mitra Sewa Pratisthan, a non-profit health initiative operated by his family. The organisation supports economically disadvantaged patients by providing free cardiac surgeries and financial assistance, reinforcing his commitment to making specialised cardiac care more accessible.

As Nepal continues to strengthen its capacity for advanced cardiovascular treatment, Dr. Bishow Pokhrel’s contribution represents the intersection of clinical excellence, surgical innovation, medical education and social responsibility. His recognition with the Outstanding Cardiac Surgery Excellence Award 2026 acknowledges not only his achievements in the operating theatre but also his wider contribution to the evolving landscape of cardiac surgery in Nepal.