Legendary Kashmir medico Girija Dhar no more

SRINAGAR: Former Principal of the Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar Prof Girija Dhar, a renowned Gynaecologist , breathed her last in summer capital on Friday.

Governor N N Vohra, former chief ministers and Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) have expressed grief over the demise of Prof Dhat.

Prof Dhar died here after a pro-longed illness. She was married to legendary Prof Naseer A Shah, a noted physician who passed away last year.

Mr Vohra and Mrs Vohra have expressed grief over the sad demise of Prof Dhar who had also served the State as Chairperson of the J&K Public Service Commission.
Recalling his long association with the eminent lady, Governor observed that he and his wife had known this noble person who had remained very active in carrying through various programmes for providing care, protection, education and skills to young girls who belonged to the neglected segments of the society.

In a message, Governor and Lady Governor have prayed for the departed soul resting in eternal peace.

Former CM Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah have also expressed grief over the demise of Prof Dhar.

Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Friday held a condolence meeting at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar to mourn the sad demise of Dr Girija Dhar former Principal GMC who breathed her last today at her Boulevard residence after a prolonged illness.

Paying rich tributes to the deceased, DAK members prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and expressed heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family.

Saddened over the death, President DAK Dr Nisar ul Hassan said it is a great loss to the medical fraternity and her death has resulted in a great void in the field of medicine.

“A medical luminary, Dr Girija Dhar graduated from King George Medical College, Lucknow and after completing her DRCOG and FRCS from United Kingdom joined GMC and became head of the department of obstetrics and gynecology. She established Lal Ded hospital in Srinagar and was instrumental in shaping the maternity services in Kashmir valley,” he said.

Dr Nisar said she became Principal GMC at a very difficult time, but despite all odds she promoted teaching and raised the level of medical education to the highest standards. It was because of her that medical services became more specialized and differentiated. She used her personal influence to get postgraduation in many specialties recognized by MCI.

“Dr Girija was a compassionate and empathetic doctor and had attained great respect from her patients,” he said. “More than a doctor and teacher, she was a guide and motherly figure because of which she was very popular among her employees,” Dr Nisar added.

“She will be sorely missed by everyone whose lives she touched,” he said. “Nation has lost an asset, but I have lost a mentor,” said Dr Nisar.