Islamabad, 8 March 2022 (TDI): On International Women’s Day, Pakistan is not behind in paying tribute to its women in various fields. The role played by Pakistani women in the field of medicine has remained commendable.
On #InternationalWomensDay, we recognize the contributions of female healthcare workers in Pakistan.
Women are the cornerstone of a family’s overall health and well-being. Healthier women lead to healthier societies and nations. pic.twitter.com/MbtkpnsHqJ
— Ministry of National Health Services, Pakistan (@nhsrcofficial) March 8, 2022
The healthcare workers have proved themselves time after time. During normal times and in the new normal after Covid-19 as well. In the earlier years of Pakistan and in today’s Pakistan as well. In small villages and in the planned cities as well.
Among other healthcare workers and doctors, one lady doctor who is being celebrated today is Doctor Zubaida Javaid. She was a gynecologist, obstetrician, and ultrasound specialist.
She holds the distinction of being the second lady doctor to have served at the then remote area of Chakwal. This was in the early 1970s.
Birth and Education
She was born in Sialkot on the 10th of March 1944 to Doctor Qazi Abdul Latif and Muhammad Bibi. Doctor Qazi Abdul Latif was the personal Physician of the Ameer of Qatar at that time. She was named Zubaida Khanum on her birth.
As she grew up she received her primary and secondary education from Rawalpindi and Sialkot. She always had a love for education. She always remained a focused and marvelous student.
After her FSC she got admission to the King Edward Medical University and Fatima Jinnah Medical University. Both institutions are the top Medical Institutes of Pakistan to date.
She preferred Fatima Jinnah Medical University. After completion of her M.B.B.S in the year 1968, she went on for her house job. She did her house job at two prestigious institutions. First was Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore. The other was Lady Wellington Hospital, Lahore.
During her house job, she again proved herself in the field. A senior doctor, named Doctor Sial wrote a “Letter of Appraisal”, to her father in Qatar. This was to appreciate her exceptional performance.
Medical Practice Commencement
After successful completion of the house job, she flew to Qatar. Having served there for a period of three months, she made a decision of coming back to Pakistan and serving the homeland.
Upon coming to Pakistan, on 5th May 1970, in the remote area of Chakwal, she started her practice. This made her hold the distinction of being the second lady doctor to have served the mentioned region.
Chakwal at that time was a remote village. It is in the Potohar Plateau in Punjab, Pakistan. Jhelum, Rawalpindi, Attock are some of the cities near Chakwal.
Medical Practice and 1971 War
In 1971 war broke out between India and Pakistan. All doctors were called since an emergency was declared. She had the honor of treating the war victims, and the wounded during the national crisis.
Golden Jubilee of Medical Practice
Doctor Zubaida Javaid, from the year 1970 to 2021 gave her best to her profession. She managed her hospital along with the support of her husband. She worked on hygiene, quick delivery of services, and insurance of ethical practice.
Not only that but with time hospital got its own pharmacy and a factory as well. Never compromising on professional ethics was a priority to her. She kept a check on patients’ exploitation. To her patient’s satisfaction came first.
After performing surgery she would often sleep in operation theatres, to keep a check on the patient. Such was her commitment. She would often just listen to patients without charging a penny. This would heal them because at times humans just need someone who listens.
As a consequence of her values, her patients saw in her not only a sincere doctor but a friend, a mother, and a counselor. Her patients developed a bond with her. Such a bond, that they would just at times pay a visit to her, for the purpose of only seeing her.
She had patients not only in Chakwal but other cities of Pakistan as well, such as Lahore, Islamabad, etc. People from other countries like Afghanistan also sought her medical advice. She is celebrated for serving the people with dedication.
End of an Era
As it is said everyone will leave one day, once their purpose is fulfilled. Dr. Zubaida Javaid by the will of Allah became a victim of Covid 19. After just a few days of infection, on 8th April 2021, she breathed her last.
Many doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers lost their lives while on the frontlines. This Women’s Day, Pakistn pays tribute to them. May the ranks of these women be raised in Heavens. The nation will remain indebted to them.
