Twice honoured by President for his achievements
Munish Sood
MANDI:
In the land of mountains and miracles, one man has lived both — Dr Viking Bhanoo, a surgeon, mountaineer and a true son of Himachal Pradesh. From the remote village of Rasil in Lahaul-Spiti to the summit of Mt Everest, his journey is a story of courage, service and excellence.
Before he became a pioneer in medicine, Dr Bhanoo served the nation as a Surgeon Commander in the Indian Navy for 14 years (2002-2015). His naval experience shaped his work ethic, discipline and precision, qualities that later helped him bring advanced surgical care to the people of Himachal.
After his service, he introduced laparoscopic surgery in the state for the first time, marking a major milestone in Himachal’s medical history. His specialisations include gallbladder removal, hernia repair, appendectomy, hysterectomy and ovarian cyst surgery, all performed through minimally invasive techniques that reduce pain and recovery time.
First doctor to climb Mt Everest
Dr Viking Bhanoo made history when he became the first doctor to successfully climb Mount Everest, representing India’s courage and determination on the world’s highest peak. His climb was not just a personal victory, but also a message — that doctors, too, can push human limits beyond imagination.
For this rare achievement, he was honoured by the President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, making it a moment of immense pride for Himachal and the entire nation.
Twice honoured by President of India
Dr Bhanoo is among the few doctors in India to be honoured twice by the President of India — once for his dedicated medical service in tribal and rural regions, and again for his record-setting Mount Everest expedition. These recognitions stand as a testament to his spirit of service, bravery and compassion.
As the Director of Bhanoo Hospitals (Kullu, Mandi and Chandigarh), Dr. Bhanoo has taken world-class surgical care to the doorsteps of common people. His network today provides laparoscopic facilities in over 50 hospitals across Himachal, including Hamirpur, Kangra, Chamba, Bilaspur, Kullu, Manali and Mandi.
His mission is to make advanced surgical treatment affordable and accessible to all, especially for the poor and middle-class families. “Healthcare should not be a privilege for the rich; it should be a right for everyone,” he often says.
Apart from being a skilled surgeon, Dr. Bhanoo is also a respected teacher and mentor. Medical students from India and abroad, including Dubai, come to train under him. What sets him apart is his hands-on training approach, where students assist and even perform live surgical procedures under his supervision.
His calm nature, humility, and dedication make him a role model for young doctors who aspire to combine skill with humanity.
