In a groundbreaking achievement in the history of Indian and global medicine, a team of doctors led by renowned cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Naresh Trehan performed the first-ever globally telecasted live surgery from India on June 11, 1998. This landmark event was broadcast to medical professionals and students around the world, showcasing India’s advancements in surgical excellence and technological integration.
The live broadcast featured six complex heart surgeries carried out by Dr. Trehan and his team, transmitted in real time to a global medical audience. The event took place at Escort Heart Institute and Research Centre (EHIRC) in New Delhi and was organized as part of an international medical conference, pushing the frontiers of telemedicine and remote surgical education.
This unprecedented event marked India’s entry into a new era of global medical collaboration. The real-time telecast allowed doctors, surgeons, and medical students from multiple countries to observe intricate surgical techniques, patient monitoring, and teamwork inside the operation theatre—without being physically present.
Dr. Naresh Trehan, already a celebrated figure in Indian healthcare, called the telecast “a milestone for India and a bridge for global surgical learning.” His vision of making cutting-edge medical knowledge accessible across borders received praise from international experts and institutions alike.
The June 11, 1998 telecast set the stage for India’s leadership in telehealth, remote diagnostics, and surgical broadcasting, which today are integral parts of modern medicine. It also inspired greater investment in digital health infrastructure and opened doors for collaborative training across continents.
Today, Dr. Trehan continues to serve the nation as the Chairman and Managing Director of Medanta – The Medicity, carrying forward the legacy of innovation, excellence, and medical education that began with that historic broadcast.
