Dr. Bal Krishna Goyal (also known as B.K. Goyal or Bal Krishan Goyal; 19 November 1935 – 20 February 2018) was one of India’s most distinguished cardiologists and medical educationists. He was the only cardiologist outside the United States to serve as Honorary Consultant Cardiologist to the world-famous Texas Heart Institute in Houston, and he received all three major Padma awards.

Born in Sambhar Lake, Jaipur district, Rajasthan, he decided to study medicine after witnessing a man in his village die of a heart attack. He rose to become Director-Professor of Cardiology at the J.J. Group of Hospitals and Grant Medical College, Mumbai, serving in an honorary capacity for 25 years. He later became Honorary Dean and Chief Cardiologist at the Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences, where he practised from 1966 until his death and helped develop postgraduate medical education.

Goyal was a visiting professor of cardiology at the University of Alabama and a visiting cardiologist at the Ochsner Heart Institute in New Orleans. The Maharashtra government appointed him Professor Emeritus of Cardiology for life at Grant Medical College. He also served as Chairman of the Haffkine Institute for 14 years, during which the institute successfully developed indigenous polio vaccines approved by the WHO.

Known for his sharp clinical judgement—often described as a “clinical sixth sense”—and his trademark bow-tie, he treated a wide spectrum of patients, from ordinary people to top national leaders, governors, chief ministers and presidents of India. He performed thousands of free life-saving procedures and remained deeply committed to charitable work.

In recognition of his public service he was appointed Sheriff of Mumbai in 1980 (succeeding actor Dilip Kumar). The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri (1984), Padma Bhushan (1990) and Padma Vibhushan (2005). He was also proposed for the post of Vice-President of India in 2007 and published over 50 papers in national and international journals. He authored a book titled Heart Talk.

Dr. B.K. Goyal passed away on 20 February 2018 in Mumbai at the age of 82 following a cardiac arrest at his Breach Candy residence. He is remembered as a pioneer who helped shape modern cardiology in India, a gifted clinician who combined scientific excellence with genuine care for his patients, and a public-spirited doctor who gave generously of his time and skill.