SRINAGAR: In an event hosted by Global Kashmiri Connect on Sunday, leading Kashmiri clinical scientists and researchers shared their work and insights on how locally informed medical research is transforming healthcare for the Kashmiri people and influencing global health practices. Renowned physicians Dr Mohammad Sultan Khuroo, Dr Abdul Hamid Zargar, Dr Parvaiz Koul, Dr Upendra Koul, Dr Javeed Iqbal, and Dr Nargis Bali Kaur engaged with medical students and young professionals to discuss their extensive contributions to clinical research across a range of specialities, from gastroenterology to endocrinology and microbiology.
These six researchers have collectively published nearly 2000 scientific papers, creating a significant body of work grounded in the unique healthcare challenges and conditions of Kashmir. Their commitment to applying locally sourced data in their research has allowed them to craft disease prevention, treatment, and control protocols that are tailored to the region’s needs. This approach not only ensures more effective healthcare for their communities but also sets an example for other regions aiming to bridge global standards with local relevance.
Dr Mohammad Sultan Khuroo, a pioneer in gastroenterology, is globally recognised for identifying Hepatitis E—a discovery that has transformed understanding and treatment of viral hepatitis worldwide. Educated in Kashmir and completing his DM in Gastroenterology from PGIMER Chandigarh, Dr Khuroo served at the Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) as the Head of Medicine and Gastroenterology. During his tenure, he contributed to the understanding of Hepato-Biliary Pancreatic Ascariasis, an endemic issue, and pioneered the PAIR technique (percutaneous aspiration, injection, and re-aspiration) for hydatid cysts. His career includes developing liver transplantation programmes in Saudi Arabia, and upon returning to Kashmir, he established a Digestive Diseases Centre to address local needs and train the next generation of clinicians.
Endocrinologist Dr Abdul Hamid Zargar’s work has been foundational in understanding iodine deficiency and its link to thyroid disorders in Kashmir. His studies in over 200 villages identified significant iodine deficiency, providing evidence for public health interventions that combat iodine deficiency-related disorders, such as Sheehan’s syndrome. His extensive research on primary infertility and postpartum pituitary insufficiency has highlighted the impact of environmental factors on health, creating pathways for addressing these issues in other iodine-deficient regions as well.
Dr Parvaiz Koul, an expert in pulmonology and infectious diseases, has contributed extensively to the study of respiratory illnesses and high-altitude pulmonary adaptations. A recent retiree as Director of SKIMS, Dr Koul’s work on influenza, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory tract infections has shaped Kashmir’s respiratory healthcare landscape. His collaborations with international bodies such as the WHO and CDC have fostered research initiatives that integrate local data with global health trends, allowing Kashmir to play a vital role in worldwide respiratory health studies.
Dr Upendra Koul, a globally acclaimed cardiologist, is deeply connected to Kashmir, where he has opened two clinics, including the Gauri Heart Centre in Srinagar and the Prasad Joo Khan Heart Centre in his native village of Hawal. Known fondly as “U Koul,” he has championed accessible cardiology care across the region. His NGO, the Gauri Kaul Foundation, promotes heart health and preventive cardiology, particularly in South Kashmir. His pioneering work in cardiac interventions has earned him respect both in India and abroad, as he continues to bridge his Kashmiri heritage with a commitment to advancing global heart health.
In paediatrics, Dr Javeed Iqbal has specialised in pulmonology with a focus on childhood respiratory diseases, including asthma, cystic fibrosis, and thiamine deficiency-related disorders. He has established dedicated labs for thiamine estimation and sweat chloride testing, making Kashmir a centre for paediatric respiratory care in the region. His ongoing research on cystic fibrosis mutations and paediatric bronchoscopy techniques contributes to a growing understanding of genetic and environmental impacts on child health in Kashmir.
Dr Nargis Bali Kaur, a microbiologist, has led efforts in infection control and antimicrobial resistance research. A faculty member at SKIMS since 2018, Dr Kaur’s early work in influenza viruses paved the way for her involvement in infection control during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has played a key role in advancing microbiology as an essential component of evidence-based medicine in Kashmir, underscoring its importance in pandemic preparedness and response. Her belief that microbiology is in its infancy motivates her to train future microbiologists and clinicians, ensuring that the field continues to grow.
Throughout their careers, these clinicians have faced the unique challenges of healthcare delivery in low-to-middle-income regions. Yet, their resilience and dedication have brought medical advancements to Kashmir while addressing local health disparities. They have also trained and mentored countless young physicians, instilling the values of inquiry and community-driven research.
Through their legacy, these clinicians hope to inspire new leaders who can further Kashmir’s role in global health. By merging locally relevant insights with worldwide standards, these researchers exemplify how collaborative, context-specific healthcare solutions can transform patient outcomes and foster medical innovation both in their homeland and across the globe.
