Dr Hansraj Mangray earns PhD in paediatric surgery

Breaking new ground in South African medicine, Dr Hansraj Mangray has become the first person to earn a PhD in Paediatric Surgery at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) since its establishment in 2004.

His pioneering achievement represents more than just an academic milestone — it opens the door to innovative surgical training, improved healthcare for children, and a new chapter in paediatric surgery in the country.

Born and raised in Phoenix, Dr Mangray’s journey from modest beginnings to medical and academic distinction has been one marked by determination and vision.

Educated at Earlington Secondary School, he was inspired by his parents, who, despite their limited formal education, instilled in him and his siblings the importance of learning. Their encouragement, coupled with his early experiences in the public healthcare system, motivated him to pursue a career in medicine.

“I saw how people had to wait hours to be seen at clinics, and sometimes they didn’t even see a doctor. I knew I wanted to help change that,” said Dr Mangray.

Initially specialising in general surgery, Dr Mangray discovered a deep passion for paediatric surgery — a field that at the time had fewer than 30 specialists in the country. The profound impact of helping children recover from life-altering conditions inspired his lifelong commitment to the discipline.

His groundbreaking PhD research focused on advancing Minimal Access Surgery (MAS) in children — a less invasive surgical approach that offers quicker recovery times but has been underutilised in South Africa due to limited training opportunities.

Determined to change that, Dr Mangray spearheaded the establishment of a MAS training laboratory at Greys Hospital in Pietermaritzburg. With support from industry partners, he equipped the lab with state-of-the-art tools and created a training hub for surgeons in KwaZulu-Natal.

Recognising that high costs often limit access to quality surgical training, Dr Mangray developed an innovative, low-cost simulation model using everyday household items to teach intra-corporeal suturing — a vital MAS skill. His comparative research showed that trainees using this method performed better than those taught through traditional video-based techniques.

Thanks to his initiatives, Greys Hospital has seen a steady rise in paediatric MAS procedures. The hospital now hosts three annual MAS training courses, including an advanced programme attracting participants from across the country. Complex operations such as laparoscopic Nissen fundoplications and thoracoscopic oesophageal atresia repairs are now performed and taught locally — a significant advancement for paediatric healthcare in South Africa.

Dr Mangray currently serves as Head of the Paediatric Surgical Clinical Unit at Greys Hospital and is an honorary lecturer at UKZN. Under the guidance of his mentor, Professor Damian Clarke, his academic journey has blended innovation with compassion and commitment.

Looking to the future, Dr Mangray aims to deepen his academic contributions while continuing to enhance surgical outcomes for children through evidence-based practice, education, and advocacy.

Beyond the operating theatre, Dr Mangray embraces a well-rounded life. He is a black belt in karate, enjoys fishing, long-distance running, and cherishes family time with his wife and two sons — pursuits that mirror the discipline and balance that define his success.