Srinagar, Dec 25: A growing movement led by prominent figures from the medical community, civil society, and media has proposed renaming the Bone and Joint Hospital in Srinagar after the late Dr. Farooq Ashai, a trailblazer in orthopedics and a revered figure in Kashmir’s healthcare landscape.
The initiative, spearheaded by Prof. Ghulam Qadir Allaqaband, has garnered widespread support, including endorsements from the Former Medical Faculty Forum (FMF), private diagnostic centers, and medical batchmates of Dr. Ashai. Prof. Allaqaband, who drafted the formal proposal, emphasized the profound contributions of Dr. Ashai in elevating the standards of orthopedic care in the region.
“Dr. Ashai’s dedication to medicine, his mentorship of countless professionals, and his empathy for patients make this a fitting tribute. Renaming the Bone and Joint Hospital or its new wing after him will immortalize his legacy,” said Prof. Allaqaband.
A Visionary’s Legacy
Dr. Farooq Ashai is remembered as a pioneer in orthopedic medicine who played a crucial role in establishing the Bone and Joint Hospital as a premier healthcare institution. His decades-long service and innovation transformed the hospital into a beacon of excellence, providing life-saving care to thousands. Beyond his clinical contributions, Dr. Ashai was a mentor and an icon of humility, inspiring generations of medical professionals.
Support Grows for the Proposal
The proposal comes at a time when the hospital’s newly constructed earthquake-resistant wing, built under the Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP) with World Bank funding, is ready for handover. This state-of-the-art block, adding 160 beds to the hospital’s capacity, has been suggested as the “Prof. Farooq Ashai Wing” by supporters on various forums, including social media.
Dr. Malik Habib from the FMF expressed hope that the government will honor this request, calling it a long-overdue recognition of Dr. Ashai’s services. Similarly, veteran journalist Yusuf Jameel, Film Maker Mushtaq Bala and private diagnostic center representatives have echoed the sentiment, urging the LG Administration and other key stakeholders to take swift action.
Symbol of Inspiration
Renaming the hospital or its new wing would be more than symbolic. It would serve as a constant reminder of Dr. Ashai’s values—dedication, innovation, and empathy—and inspire future generations to uphold these principles.
“Honoring Dr. Ashai in this way would recognize his unparalleled contributions to healthcare in Kashmir and reinforce the community’s connection to the institution,” said Ishtiyaq Qadri, another advocate of the proposal.
A Call for Unity
Prominent civil society groups, including the Private Diagnostic Centers Association J&K Represented by Dr Fiaz Fazili, GMC Srinagar alumni, and nursing associations, have rallied behind the initiative, with calls for collective action to formally present the proposal to the LG Administration.
Next Steps
The proposal outlines a coordinated approach to gather endorsements from medical associations, civil society, and media representatives before submitting the request to the government. Leaders like Omar Abdullah, Nasir Aslam Wani, and Shafi Ahmed Wani have been urged to lend their support to this cause.
Conclusion
Renaming the Bone and Joint Hospital or its new wing in honor of Dr. Farooq Ashai would not only pay tribute to a visionary who shaped Kashmir’s healthcare landscape but also inspire future generations to strive for excellence in service to humanity. This initiative stands as a testament to the enduring impact of Dr. Ashai’s life and work, reflecting the collective gratitude of a region he so profoundly served.
Supporters of the proposal remain optimistic, hoping that this endeavor will soon bear fruit, bringing much-deserved recognition to an icon of healing and hope in Kashmir.
