Renowned Gynaecologist, Padma Shri Dr Rustom Soonawala no more
Mumbai: Renowned gynaecologist and Padmashree recipient Dr Rustom Soonawala has passed away at the age of 95 after a prolonged illness. Known for his groundbreaking contributions to the field, Dr Soonawala became a household name in Mumbai, delivering countless babies, from ordinary citizens to celebrity children.
He is widely credited with introducing laparoscopy and microsurgery to India and also contributed to the development of ‘The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1971.’ He was also Professor Emeritus at the Wadia Maternity Hospital in Parel in 1991 in recognition of his work in the field of Family Planning.
Dr Soonawala was a visionary who designed India's first female contraceptive in 1963 (Soonawala IUD), trained thousands of doctors, and was honored with the Padma Shri in 1991. He had many degrees to his credit including M.D., F.R.C.S, F.R.C.O.G., and F.I.C.O.G. He was the founder and President of the Indian Society of Prenatal Diagnosis and Therapy since 1989 and the Honorary Medical Director of Family Planning Association of India. He also practiced at Breach Candy Hospital.
He was one of eight in the world to be awarded the Von Graffenberg Medal for original work in Intra Uterine Contraception by the University of Kiel, West Germany in 1984. He was honoured with the GIANTS INTERNATIONALS AWARD in September 2000 for recognition of excellence in the Medical Field.
Dr Rustom received Rashtriya Sanman in July 2002 from the Income Tax Department for being the highest taxpayer during the Assessment years 1995-96 to 1999 to 2000. He was awarded by the LABHSETWAR FOUNDATION, USA on 16th January 2003 for his contribution in Population Control & Family Planning.
His sudden death has created a void in the medical community. Dr Hrishikesh Pai, a former president of the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India stated, “He was a key contributor to the advancement of infertility treatment in the country.”
Wadia Hospital’s CEO Dr Minnie Bodhanwala said, "We were privileged to be associated with him." Breach Candy Hospital CEO Dr Annirudh Kohli said, "(We) will miss (him)... For two decades, he was a medical advisor to hospital trustees, attending monthly meetings filled with direction, ideas, and wisdom. His invaluable contributions will never be forgotten, and we will strive to build further on the legacy he leaves behind."
Many have expressed their condolences via social media. One political figure stated, “Dr. Soonawala’s passing has left a void, as the world has lost a remarkable soul. He helped countless women witness the beauty of bringing new life into this world, he served an entirety of his lifetime towards improving the healthcare for women. May his soul rest in peace.”
Film actor and political figure Raj Babbar also stated, ‘Heartbreaking to learn that Padma Shri Dr. Rustom Soonawala has left us forever. A man with magical hands, he was an institution in himself. Trained thousands of Medicos and did pathbreaking medical research - pioneering being the introduction of laparoscopy & microsurgery in India. From the well-placed to the common citizens - Dr. Soonawala not only helped so many families to welcome new life into the world - but also worked a lot to improve women's healthcare esp among those less privileged. My family has always been indebted to him and the news of his passing away has come as a rude shock to us. Good bye Dr. Soonawala. You will be missed so dearly.”
