By Fiza Masoodi

Srinagar- Kashmir on Saturday paid a massive tribute to Dr. Farhat Hamid, a beloved gynaecologist whose work brought thousands of lives into the world.

She practised through years when the valley saw more deaths than births, and many of the children she delivered arrived in times marked by loss.

With her passing, a long chapter in Kashmir’s medical and social life came to a close.

The news of her death spread quickly through hospital corridors and medical colleges, along neighbourhood lanes and into prayer rooms, settling into homes where women remembered her voice and families recalled the moment she placed a newborn into their arms.

Dr. Farhat, a senior gynaecologist and obstetrician and former professor at Government Medical College Srinagar, had spent decades serving the people of Jammu and Kashmir. 

She trained and mentored generations of doctors, many of whom now staff hospitals and clinics across the region. 

Her reputation as a skilled clinician was matched by her care as a teacher, shaping students in patient care and cure.

Even after retiring from the medical college, Dr. Farhat continued to see patients at her clinic in Barbar Shah, Srinagar, offering specialised care in women’s health. 

Families trusted her for the calm assurance she brought into moments of fear.

Colleagues say her presence defined an empathetic era in Kashmir’s medical history. 

Prof Shahnaz Taing, former head of the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, described her as exceptional in both skill and character. “I have not met a more humble, kind, and caring person, not just towards colleagues and students, but towards everyone she came in contact with,” she said.

Prof Iqbal Saleem, head of the Department of General Surgery, remembered her bond with patients and trainees alike. “She was a people’s obstetrician and gynaecologist who brought countless lives into this world with her patient friendly approach,” he said. “A soft spoken, diligent teacher who shaped and mentored countless doctors and specialists.”

Many doctors described her as part of a golden period at GMC Srinagar. 

Prof Abdul Wahid said she was “more than a gynecologist” and that her personality shaped the careers of many. “She remained a very popular teacher. Her mannerism and humility were exemplary. She treated every patient with empathy and personal touch,” he said, adding that her death was a big loss to society.

Patients remembered her less through titles and more through moments. 

Yusuf Jameel, a senior journalist and her former neighbour at Press Colony in Srinagar, recalled how Dr. Farhat delivered two of his three daughters through cesarean surgery. The third birth left a memory he still carries. 

“After the surgery, Dr. Farhat personally carried the newborn out of the operation theatre and gently placed her in my arms,” he said. “With a playful smile, she asked if I knew whether it was a boy or a girl. I told her I knew she was Fatima Zahra. I still remember the surprise on her face.”

Stories like his circulated widely after her death. 

Women wrote about feeling safe in her care during moments filled with fear. Families recalled her patience, clarity, and the reassurance she offered in their traumatic period. Many said she treated every patient as though the outcome mattered to her personally.

Friends spoke of a woman whose care extended far beyond medicine. 

Writer Nighat Hafiz remembered her as a sibling in every sense. “For me, she was Farti Baji, a sister who played the sister act more than expected from sisters by blood,” she said. 

Reflecting on her passing, Nighat added, “She expired exactly as she wished, congruent with her personal life. May Allah receive her with the same affection in paradise.”

Others recalled her clarity of thought and strength of character. 

Politician Zafar Iqbal Manhas described her as “bold in vision, progressive in thought, humane at heart, and a highly professional and competent gynecologist.” 

Many said women felt reassured simply knowing Dr. Farhat was present during childbirth.

Senior journalist Khursheed Wani recalled meeting her at her clinic years ago. “She was very warm and gentle,” he said, remembering her husband Abdul Hamid and their long association. 

Messages offering prayers and condolences continued to arrive from doctors, former students, patients, and families she had treated.

Dr. Farhat’s career unfolded during decades when Kashmir lived through deep uncertainty and loss. Hospitals bore witness to tragedy even as life continued in maternity wards. 

Babies were born under her supervision during years when the valley struggled to count its dead. 

“Those births stood as acts of faith in the future,” said Sadaf Shah, a lecturer in Srinagar, “guided by a doctor who believed her role extended beyond the procedure itself.”

Her death leaves an absence that colleagues say will be difficult to fill.