In a remarkable turn of events, Dr. Naresh Trehan, the world-renowned cardio surgeon, has emerged as India’s newest billionaire. At the age of 78, he has secured a position in the exclusive billionaires club, courtesy of the rapid growth in shares of Global Health, the operator of the prestigious Medanta chain of hospitals, in 2023.

A Storied Career:

Dr. Naresh Trehan was born into a family of medical professionals; his mother was a gynecologist, and his father, an ENT specialist. The family practiced medicine in Lyallpur until the partition of India, after which they relocated to Delhi’s Connaught Place.

In 1963, Dr. Trehan embarked on his medical journey, enrolling at King George’s Medical College in Lucknow. His internship at New Delhi’s Safdarjang Hospital set the stage for an illustrious career. In 1969, he moved to the USA, becoming a resident at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. From 1971 to 1988, he practiced at the New York University Medical Center.

Return to India:

In 1988, Dr. Trehan made the pivotal decision to return to India. He assumed the roles of founder, director, and chief cardiovascular surgeon at Escorts Heart Institute and Research Center (EHIRC). For two decades, he served as the executive director and chief cardiovascular surgeon at EHIRC until its acquisition by the Fortis Healthcare Group in 2005. Subsequently, he worked as a senior consultant in cardiovascular surgery at New Delhi’s Apollo Hospital.

The Birth of Medanta:

Dr. Trehan’s visionary leadership led to the establishment of Medanta – The Medicity in 2007, one of the largest multi-specialty hospitals in Gurgaon, Haryana. His legacy at Medanta includes over 48,000 open-heart surgeries, solidifying his reputation as a distinguished cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgeon.

Accolades and Recognitions:

Beyond his entrepreneurial and surgical pursuits, Dr. Trehan served as the personal surgeon to the President of India since 1991. He has received numerous accolades, including the Padma Bhushan Award in 2001 for distinguished service in Cardiology Medicine, the Padma Shri Award in 1991 for distinguished service in Surgery, and the Dr. B. C. Roy Award from the Medical Council of India in 2002.

Becoming a Billionaire:

Dr. Naresh Trehan's net worth soared when the shares of Global Health, Medanta’s operator, reached a record high of INR 972.55 (USD 11.67) per share on November 30, 2023—a remarkable 165% jump. Holding a 33.06% stake in Global Health, Dr. Trehan's net worth landed at a staggering INR 8,402.30 crore (USD 1 billion approximately).

Future Plans and Expansion:

Looking ahead, Dr. Trehan aims to invest approximately INR 1,100 crore (USD 131 million approx.) to expand capacities in Lucknow, Patna, and Noida over the next three years. This includes significant allocations for equipment and technology upgrades in the Gurugram facility, additional beds in Patna by year-end, and the establishment of a radiation oncology department.

In conclusion, Dr. Naresh Trehan's journey from a family of doctors to becoming India’s newest billionaire showcases not only a brilliant medical career but also entrepreneurial prowess. His contributions to healthcare, from pioneering surgeries to expanding medical infrastructure, have positioned him as a leading figure in India’s medical landscape. The surge in his net worth reflects not just financial success but a lifetime dedicated to the betterment of healthcare in the country.