Human Resources Department Paras hospital, Srinagar, Samreen Nabi Monga has said that, My sincere thanks to Dr. Dharminder Nagar, a visionary leader whose dream of bringing Paras Hospital to Srinagar has transformed healthcare for the people of Kashmir; Dr. Murtuza Habib, a pioneer in translating that vision into reality; and Dr. Shafat, our Medical Superintendent, whose leadership and commitment continue to strengthen that vision every single day.
What better occasion than Doctors’ Day to share a story that changed my perspective forever?
It was Eid. While families across Kashmir were celebrating, my family and I were sitting in a children’s hospital with our little daughter, who had been diagnosed with acute appendicitis. We were told that her surgery was high-risk, and no one was willing to operate. As parents, we felt completely helpless.
In desperation, I reached out to doctors I knew at Paras Hospital—Dr. Sajad, Head of Pediatrics, and Dr. Zahid, Head of Anesthesia. Although I have the privilege of working at Paras, when it’s your own child, all logic disappears and emotions take over.
Then came the words that changed everything:
“She’s our daughter. Bring her here.”
Those simple words from Dr. Sajad gave us hope when we had almost lost it. Convincing our extended family to leave the children’s hospital wasn’t easy, but with no progress being made and our daughter in unbearable pain, we made the decision.
The next crucial person was Dr. Yaqoob, our General Surgeon. Despite being on leave and away in his hometown, he didn’t hesitate. He simply said, “I’ll come.” That assurance was enough for us to move to Paras.
From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warmth, compassion, and urgency. My heartfelt thanks to Dr. Burhan (AMS), Dr. Sarmad, the emergency nurses, and the entire emergency staff for standing by us.
A CT scan confirmed that surgery could not wait. My gratitude also goes to Dr. Ateeq, Dr. Fahad, and the CT technician, who ensured everything moved swiftly and smoothly.
Finally came the decision that mattered the most. Dr. Nasir, our anesthetist, carefully evaluated my daughter and reassured us that the surgery was not as high-risk as we had been made to believe and that every precaution would be taken.
As parents, handing over your child to the operation theatre is one of the hardest moments imaginable. Watching those doors close behind her felt like my heart had stopped beating. We prayed for just one thing—to see her smile again.
And when she came out… breathing normally… it was the greatest relief we had ever experienced.
No words can truly express our gratitude to Dr. Yaqoob, Dr. Nasir, Dr Sajad and Dr Zahid and every doctor, nurse, technician, and staff member who cared for our daughter with such dedication and compassion.
Kashmir is truly blessed to have a hospital like Paras—built on a vision that places patients at the center of everything. Every single person working there carries that vision forward with commitment, excellence, and humanity.
Ironically, someone who once never imagined working in a hospital now feels deeply privileged to be part of an institution that serves the people of Kashmir with compassion and purpose.
To every doctor—thank you for your courage, your sacrifice, and the hope you restore every single day.
Happy Doctors’ Day.
Because behind every saved life, every relieved family, and every new beginning, there is a doctor who chose to care. Thank you for being the heartbeat of hope. (JKNS)
