Renowned Indian Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr N S Bhat passes away in Qatar at 86

Doha: Dr N S Bhat, an eminent Indian orthopaedic surgeon from Mangaluru, Karnataka, who played a significant role in the development of orthopaedic services in Qatar, passed away at Aisha Hospital in Doha on October 18. He was 86.

Fondly known as “Subhu” among his friends, Dr Bhat was widely respected for his surgical expertise, dedication to patient care and compassionate approach. His career in Qatar spanned more than five decades, during which he helped establish orthopaedic departments at several leading healthcare institutions and treated generations of patients.

Also Read:Renowned general surgeon Dr C Rajesh Ballal passes away in Mangaluru

Dr Bhat moved to Qatar in 1975 and soon became an influential figure in the development of the country’s orthopaedic services. In 1976, he established the Department of Orthopaedics at Rumailah Hospital. He subsequently helped establish the Orthopaedic Surgery Department at Hamad Hospital in 1980, according to the Daily.

According to Siasat Daily, he joined Doha Clinic Hospital in 1999, where he established its orthopaedic surgery department. In 2013, he joined colleagues in founding ICON Medical Centre, where he served as a senior orthopaedic consultant. His areas of expertise included paediatric orthopaedics and arthroscopic procedures, including ligament reconstruction, rotator cuff repair and meniscal surgery.

Following news of his demise, former patients took to social media to pay tribute to him, with many remembering not only his medical expertise but also his kindness, reassurance and personal attention.

One patient, who said they had been under his care since around 1983, recalled undergoing corrective surgery for infantile scoliosis at Hamad Orthopaedic Clinic in 1988. “Even after a gap of many years, he remembered his patients by name,” the patient wrote, recalling his compassionate care. Another patient shared how Dr Bhat’s reassurance helped them finally proceed with long-delayed anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus surgery. They recalled his guidance during recovery, particularly his advice on returning to running. “He was not just my surgeon, but someone whose words gave me the confidence to go ahead,” the patient wrote, reports Siasat Daily.

Other patients paid tribute to his professionalism and compassionate nature. One described him as “a Dr and a Gentleman”, while another remembered him as a kind person who had made a lasting difference to their life.

In a Facebook post, Mohan Thomas mourned the loss of his dear friend and colleague, remembering him as a man whose warmth, kindness and friendship extended far beyond his professional achievements.

“It is your warmth, kindness and friendship that we will remember most,” Thomas wrote, expressing heartfelt condolences to Dr Bhat’s family and loved ones.

He also remembered Dr Bhat’s lifelong dedication to healing others and the many lives he had touched along the way.

“Dear Subhu, we will miss you dearly,” Thomas wrote, praying for his soul to rest in eternal peace.

ICON Medical Centre also mourned his passing, describing him as a pioneer and mentor in orthopaedic surgery. The centre extended its condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and patients, acknowledging the contributions he made to the medical community.

Dr Bhat leaves behind a legacy of medical service and compassion, remembered by colleagues and generations of patients whose lives he touched throughout his distinguished career in Qatar.

Also Read:Dr Seshagiri Rao Mallampati, Pioneer of Mallampati Score, Passes Away at 85