HOD Message

The history of Lal Ded Hospital is steeped in resilience and service, much like the Sufi saint it was named after, Lal Ded. Over the years, the hospital has faced trials and tribulations, from political upheavals to natural disasters such as floods and fires, yet it has always risen from the ashes, stronger and more determined. Established in its current form in 1980, the hospital began as the first 100-bedded Obstetrics and Gynecology Centre in Kashmir. Before that, the department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics was located at the present-day SMHS Hospital, led by Dr. Jahan Ara Naqshbandi, Kashmir’s first MRCOG. When the department shifted to the present location, the hospital was placed under the leadership of Dr. Girja Dhar. Over the years, it expanded to 350 beds, then 500, and now operates as a 750-bed facility, making it the only tertiary referral center for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, serving patients from Banihal to Kargil and Leh.

During times of turmoil, the hospital and its staff have faced immense challenges, not only operationally but also in terms of handling complex cases. Lal Ded has treated patients with conditions rarely seen in even the most advanced hospitals, and it is a source of great pride to witness recoveries against all odds, even with limited infrastructure. One memorable incident involves a patient who traveled four days from a remote area in a critical condition, suffering from abdominal gangrene with a protruding arm of her deceased baby. Despite the hopelessness of the situation, the skill and determination of our team saved her life, and she was sipping tea the very next day. Such stories of perseverance and recovery inspire us and serve as a testament to the brilliance and dedication of our healthcare providers.

Yet, despite these successes, Lal Ded Hospital is often highlighted for the wrong reasons. Complications can occur in even the best of institutions, but here, the remarkable recoveries and the bulk of successful procedures often go unnoticed. Still, we remain steadfast in our mission, continuing to serve with the same vision and dedication.

*Vision*

To be a world-class, inclusive, women-friendly healthcare institution, providing comprehensive care for women of all ages across all socio-economic backgrounds.

*Mission*

To deliver compassionate, high-quality care while advancing education and research in women's healthcare, setting a standard of excellence in the region.

Every HOD, from Dr. Jahan Ara Naqshbandi to the present day, has made significant contributions to the department's development and patient care. This institution has remained committed to excellence, not only in patient care but also in teaching and research. With 30 postgraduate students annually, our graduates not only go on to serve across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh but also worldwide, with many becoming some of the most renowned doctors globally, serving in top hospitals in prestigious positions. I, too, am a product of this institution, having spent my entire life here, from student to HOD. I've witnessed the highs and lows of this hospital firsthand, as well as the systemic issues that have sometimes prevented us from achieving the level of care we strive for.

As the current HOD, I feel privileged to have the opportunity to guide the department toward a brighter future. My hope is to lay the groundwork for creating a world-class, women-centric tertiary care institution, offering a full spectrum of healthcare services under one roof. At present, the physical distance between Lal Ded Hospital and the Government Medical College creates challenges for interdisciplinary treatments, with patients often needing to be referred elsewhere for services like dialysis, imaging, or specialized consultations, which delays their care.

I envision a future where our hospital can become a comprehensive healthcare facility where women can access a full range of services—from advanced obstetric and gynecological care, fetal medicine, ART, neonatology, and critical care management to services like nephrology, imaging, gynecological oncology, endocrinology, and psychiatry —all in one place.

I know this transformation cannot happen overnight, and achieving this will require time and patience, but I am committed and hopeful of sowing the seeds today so that someday in the very near future we are able to enjoy it's fruit. I hope that policymakers and decision-makers recognize this need and provide the necessary support so that we can begin to make this vision a reality for the benefit of our patients.

To my students, I want to convey that medicine is not merely a profession; it is a calling of service. Ethics and morality are the bedrock of our practice, and they define the nobility of our field. It is essential that we do not treat medicine as an industry or reduce it to a mere job. Always hold the Hippocratic Oath close to your heart and let it guide your actions. Your commitment to compassion must drive you to prioritize the well-being of your patients above all else. Serve them selflessly, without expecting anything in return. Remember, you are healers, entrusted with the profound responsibility of serving humanity with dedication and honor. Upholding these values is what truly distinguishes our profession.

        Let us move forward with hope and determination, believing that together we can create a brighter future for women’s healthcare in our community. Each of us plays a vital role in this journey, and I am confident that our collective efforts will bring about meaningful change and healing.

Prof.(Dr.) Syed Masuma Rizvi.
Head of the Department