DR Abdul Wahid Mir; The Onco-surgeon Who Transformed The Cancer Care In Kashmir

DR Abdul Wahid Mir; The Oncosurgeon Who Transformed The Cancer Care In Kashmir 

DR Basharat Khan 

In an exclusive conversation with Dr BASHARAT KHAN, PROFESSOR DR ABDUL WAHID MIR; the leading cancer surgeon and the current Head of the Department of Surgical Oncology at SKIMS recounted his inspiring journey from the serene, forest-clad village of Mankal to the commanding heights of cancer surgery in Kashmir. Despite an early setback, when his name was inexplicably omitted from the published MBBS 1985 merit list despite a strong performance in the entrance examination, he remained undeterred. Guided by quiet determination and a profound sense of purpose, he went on to carve a distinguished path in medicine, ultimately returning to lead the very institution as Head of Surgical Oncology at SKIMS.

First, let me share with you a glimpse of my background. What is now known as Tehsil Langate was earlier part of Tehsil Handwara. At its far end lies a remote village called Mankal, comprising merely 15 to 16 households. It was a forested area, and I was born there into a modest yet respected family; not too poor, not very rich.

My father was a simple man who worked on a  in a private Forest firm. Though he lacked formal education, he was literate and deeply passionate about learning. Recognising the value of education, he decided to send me to Lolab, to my maternal uncle’s house, where the environment was academically nurturing and the family well-known for their educational pursuits. Thus, my early education began there in a local primary school.

Later, I was admitted to Government High School Tekipora in the 6th standard, after completing primary education at Dorusa Wani in Lolab. From class 6 onwards, I consistently topped my class. In 9th grade, although I was unsure about taking the medical stream, my headmaster, Shri Jawahir Lal Pishen, encouraged me in 1981 to pursue it. I still remember him fondly; he would jokingly call me “Mankan” and say, “You will remember me one day”—and indeed, I do.

During the matriculation exams, I was unwell, but by the grace of Allah (SWT), I still secured 65%—the highest in both my school and the examination centre (Govt High School Lalpora). That record stood unbeaten for many years. I then enrolled in Govt Higher Secondary School Sogam for classes 11 and 12, scoring 62% in my 12th. However, I was dissatisfied, as I felt my efforts weren’t fairly reflected in the marks.

One of our lecturers, Mr. Ahanger Sahib, reassured me, saying that I was eligible to appear for the MBBS entrance test, and that marks didn’t matter as much—what mattered was my preparation.

I joined Amar Singh College and began preparing for the entrance exam alongside my studies. I appeared for the MBBS entrance, and when the results were published in the newspaper, my name wasn’t on the list. One of my uncles brought the newspaper to me, and I told him calmly, “Perhaps Allah (SWT) has something better planned for me.”

Time passed, and I continued my studies. But one day, the same uncle, with firm belief in my abilities, said he still saw a doctor in me and couldn’t believe I hadn’t qualified. That sparked a thought in my mind: before preparing again, I should at least verify my result.

The next day, I visited the Medical College and inquired about my scorecard. To my utter shock, I had qualified the entrance exam, but my name had been omitted from the published list. This was around March 1986, although the result was declared in December 1985.

I was stunned and asked the administrative officer to re-check. He confirmed my roll number and identity, and when he read out my marks, I was taken aback—they were higher than those of many selected candidates. I requested a copy of my marks card, which I safely carried home.

Upon reaching home, I shared the news with my family. My elder brother, Lateef Sahib, immediately took my certificates and a written application and waited outside the Secretariat to meet the then Chief Minister, Mr. G. M. Shah. As soon as the CM’s cavalcade arrived, my brother breached security and handed over the documents, narrating the entire episode. Unknowingly, he had also submitted my original certificates along with the application.

When I heard this, I was distressed and proposed we travel to Jammu to retrieve them. After a few days, we reached the Secretariat in Jammu.There, I spotted a nameplate of the Additional Secretary, Health & Trainings Branch—the same person who had signed the selection list. We waited outside his office. When he met us, he recognised us as being from the Bangus area. He said that the Chief Minister had forwarded my documents to him and assured us the matter was being looked into. He asked us to return the next day to collect my original certificates.

That moment gave us a glimmer of hope.

My brother then suggested we also visit our local MLA, Mohammad Sultan Pandithpuri, who was known to us personally. He welcomed us warmly, listened patiently, and showed great humility and concern. We stayed with him for a few days, and the next day, we collected the documents from the Additional Secretary, who reassured us that the case was under review.

However, before a resolution could be reached, the G. M. Shah government fell. My brother returned home while I stayed at Mr. Pandithpuri’s residence. I remain indebted to him for his hospitality—may Allah bless him with Jannah.

One day, a group of veterinary doctors staying in the same building told me they planned to meet Dr. Farooq Abdullah, who was expected to form the next government. I requested them to take me along. They first met him at the NC headquarters and shared their grievances. When my turn came, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, being in a hurry, asked the NC Provincial President (Jammu), Mr. Rajinder Singh Chib, to look into my matter.

As if by fate, Mr. Chib assumed I had some personal connection with Dr. Farooq and received me with warmth. Over tea, I narrated the whole story and handed him the documents. He immediately called the Advisor to the Governor, Mr. Jameel Qureshi for an appointment which was fixed next day afternoon and Mr Chib asked me to visit his residence next day morning.

The following day, I visited Mr. Chib’s government residence, which was overcrowded. His PRO told me to wait, as Mr. Chib had asked for me specifically. Once Mr. Chib came out, he personally took me in his car to meet the Advisor at the Secretariat. Mr. Jameel Qureshi, after listening to me, summoned the Additional Secretary (Trainings) at 3 p.m. that day, asking for a detailed explanation of how I had been excluded despite qualifying.

While this was happening, I was seated in the office of the Private secretary to Advisor, Mr. Azad Sahib—a kind and supportive gentleman. He reassured me that my case would be processed on a fast-track basis, acknowledging the ordeal I had faced. When the Additional Secretary arrived, he too acknowledged the error.

A few days later, I again visited the Secretariat to check on the progress. Mr. Azad informed me that my case had been resolved and that my selection letter order had been dispatched by post. When I said I hadn’t received it, he instructed me to immediately visit the medical college.

When I visited the Academic Department at Government Medical College Srinagar and informed them that my selection letter had arrived, they confirmed it. I had some money with me, so I didn’t need to return home for the fee. I completed the necessary formalities on the spot, submitted the form along with the admission fee, and secured admission to GMC Srinagar.

For my friends, it came as a complete surprise. Even though I met a few of them at the medical college, I didn’t share anything. I waited until my admission was final. When I attended my first class, signed the attendance register, and entered my roll number, only then did I feel assured that my admission had truly happened. Later, when my friends saw me in class, they expressed their disappointment for not being informed earlier. I explained that I hadn't told anyone because I wanted to be sure myself. I said, “Truth is when it happens.” Now, I was finally certain that I had been admitted to the MBBS first year.

Initially, joining the first-year class was extremely difficult. Five months had already passed, and honestly, everything in class felt like a foreign language—like Persian. I would return hostel from college overwhelmed and lost in thought, unsure of what to do. Often, I would hide under my blanket and imagine what my future would be. One day, I shook myself out of this state, telling myself, “It would be cowardice to quit. If I don’t complete my first professional year, what will people think of me?” Gradually, I began to cope and catch up with the syllabus.

I’d like to share an interesting story here. When the first professional MBBS exams were held, I passed on my first attempt while many others failed. My marks weren’t very high—around 53%—but it was a moment of pride.

After that, I made steady progress every year. In the second professional examination, I secured 59%, and eventually, in the prefinal and final MBBS, I scored nearly 62%. My pre-final and final MBBS scores were particularly strong. During my medical studies, I was a shy and focused student, dedicated to my academics. Even today, when I speak with my classmates—many of whom are well-settled in the USA and Europe—they still recall my shyness.

I remember when  Zia-ul-Haq died in an air crash, the situation in the Kashmir Valley was extremely tense. At the time, a rumour spread that a doctor had died in the Batamaloo incident—and some thought it was me. In reality, I was in Lolab at my maternal uncle’s home. It was the harvesting season—probably October. Back then, we had no access to telephones.

Dr Girja Dhar, our respected principal at GMC Srinagar, heard the news and immediately contacted the SHO of Handwara. The SHO called my father and relayed the news. From that point on, my father began visiting the police station daily to inquire about my whereabouts.

On my way back from Lolab to Srinagar, I met a relative in Kupwara and asked him to inform my father that I was safe and heading back to college. When I returned to Srinagar, I learned that the GMC administration and students were planning a condolence visit to my home. Fortunately, that relative met my father and cousin, who were on their way to the police station. He greeted them and said, “I met your son in Kupwara. He is fine and has left for Srinagar.” My father sighed with deep relief, and his face lit up with joy. The news spread quickly—I was alive.

During my student life, I received immense love and affection from both teachers and seniors. One particular incident still brings a smile to my face. When I joined GMC Srinagar, ragging was common, and often very harsh. A senior from Hyderabad, along with a few others, was known for intimidating juniors. One day, they called me in for ragging. I entered the room trembling. He looked at me and said, “Oh, you with the thin beard—can you recite the Holy Qur’an?” I replied, “Yes, I can.” He asked, “How many Surahs have you memorised?” I told him I had memorised Surah Al-Baqarah, Surah Yaseen, Surah Mulk, and Surah Muzammil and some part of Amm sparah.

On hearing this, he immediately asked me to sit and called a friend to bring me a cup of tea. Then he asked me to recite a Surah. I did. He was so impressed that he declared in the hostel, “If anyone touches this boy, I won’t spare them!” He even helped me with books. After that, I felt more secure and respected. I would lead the prayers and Taraweeh during Ramadan, and I was deeply loved in the hostel and college.

In 1991, I completed my MBBS and the following year, my internship. I did house jobs in Orthopaedics and ENT at GMC Srinagar. Afterwards, I was posted at Wadder Payeen. However, militancy in the region was at its peak and I was very much worried  whether I could stay there.

One day, while walking through SMHS Hospital, I met Dr Abdul Ahad, a veteran and highly disciplined ENT professor under whom I had worked during my house job. Students feared and respected him deeply. As he walked down the GMC corridor, no one would dare cross paths with him. When he saw me, he placed his hand on my shoulder, and I felt a profound sense of honour.

He asked, “How is your officership?”

I replied, “Sir, the situation there is terrible. I’m very distressed.”

He said, “Come back.”

I asked, “Is that even possible, Sir?”

He replied, “Why not? Bring an application.”

As my appointment was adhoc, I submitted the application by 3 p.m. He marked it to the principal. The principal initially refused, stating that doctors were already being relieved to serve in the field. But Dr Ahad insisted over the phone, saying, “He is a good and dedicated boy. I need one house surgeon. Please post him here.” Eventually, I received the order and rejoined the ENT department.

While working there, I saw a notification for junior resident posts at SKIMS and applied. I got selected and informed Dr Ahad that I was leaving. He wished me the best without a trace of anger. I joined SKIMS and worked there for a while, until I was again posted to Handwara on ad hoc basis. In October 1997, my PSC confirmation came through, and I was posted at Kalamabad dispensary.

Despite the prevailing militancy, I remained punctual and dedicated. I took great care of patients and even made home visits during emergencies—without charging a rupee during off-duty hours.

During one of Mr Chowdhary Ramzan Sahib’s visits, I happened to be absent, and 38 employees were suspended. But when my name came up, the locals stood up for me. They said, “If our doctor is absent today, there must be a genuine reason. Otherwise, he is always here and very helpful.” Despite being absent, and even though a local politician was against me, I was not suspended. That gesture of support from the people of Kalamabad remains one of the most touching moments of my career.

In 1997, I got married. Earlier, I had applied for a PG course, and to my joy, I was selected.

In June 1998, I joined the Diploma in Anaesthesia at GMC Srinagar. During that time, I appeared for more entrance exams, as my primary interest was in surgical fields. Back then, PG entrance exams were conducted by both SKIMS and the Competent Authority. I cleared both. Though I had completed the course duration for the Diploma, I didn’t appear in the final exam, as I had now joined MS Surgery at SKIMS in February 20—.

I completed my MS Surgery and later enrolled in a two-year Senior Residency. After that, I was selected for a fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. However, at the last moment, I was not allowed to join by the authorities and it was a huge disappointment for me.

A friend noticed my distress and asked what had happened. After I narrated everything, he said, “Why are you worried about minimal access surgery? Why not try cancer surgery? There is no cancer surgeon in our valley.” His words ignited something in me. I began researching surgical oncology. Very few institutes offered it at that time.

One day, while I was in the library, I received a call from the Nizam’s Institute. They told me about a new fellowship in surgical oncology and asked me to apply via their website. At the time, I wasn’t tech-savvy, but the library staff helped me download the form. I filled it and posted it.

Eventually, I was called for an interview. After my interview, a clerk asked me to wait. I was surprised because I had already been interviewed. But I was called in again—this time to meet the Director, Dean, HODs, and Executive Registrars.

They told me, “Relax, we’ve already completed your interview. We just want to discuss something else.” They said, “You’re on a good salary and have a family. Here, you’ll receive only a stipend. 

They asked, “What will you do about all this?"

I simply replied, “It doesn’t bother me.”

I returned home and informed my family that I had appeared for the interview and was hopeful of being selected. After some time, I personally contacted the institute. The concerned clerk informed me over the phone that I had indeed been selected and that the appointment letter had already been dispatched by post. However, since I had not yet joined, he cautioned that only three days remained before the waiting list would be released.

I explained that I had not received any such letter, but assured him that I would report immediately. Without delay, I faxed a confirmation of my intent to join and, on the same day, packed my belongings and left for the institute.

I joined the programme in April 2006. This time, I did not seek prior permission, having already had relevant experience. I made a firm decision — regardless of the consequences, I would pursue the course. I successfully completed my training in oncosurgery. After its completion, I received an offer from the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute for a position one step higher than the one I had initially applied for. However, I chose not to accept the offer. Instead, I returned to Kashmir and approached the Health Department, expressing my desire to rejoin.

They informed me that I was listed as being on “unauthorised absence,” and that rejoining would require administrative approval — a process that would take time. I understood their position. In the meantime, I applied for a Senior Residency at Pandit B.D. Sharma Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences in Haryana — a government institution on par with AIIMS — and was selected. I served there for nine months before returning to the Valley.

In 2009, a friend invited me to attend a National AYUSH Conference. I accepted the invitation and participated in the event. During the conference, the then Union Health Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad, addressed the issue of brain drain, stating that it must be prevented and that the government should retain and accommodate highly qualified doctors.

Inspired by these remarks, I met the Director of Health Services Kashmir and introduced myself. Recognising the shortage of surgeons in the region, and without waiting for formal administrative approval, he issued an order appointing me to Handwara until the necessary clearance could be obtained from the Health and Medical Education Department.

I joined at Handwara. Meanwhile, the Public Service Commission (PSC) notified new posts for Consultants. I applied and was selected. After selection, I was posted as Consultant at Langate. However, the situation there was far from ideal — there was no anaesthetist, no functional operation theatre. Still, I reported for duty daily and worked from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

One day, a colleague informed me that my case had been discussed in a departmental meeting chaired by the then Health Minister, Sham Lal Sharma. He had questioned how an oncosurgeon could be posted at a facility with no operation theatre or anaesthetist, asking pointedly: “What will he do there?” He ordered that my services be properly utilised without delay.

Dr Saleem ur Rehman, then Director of Health Services Kashmir, agreed and stated that he would assign me to a more appropriate post. Soon after, I received a call from the Directorate, instructing me to meet Dr Saleem ur Rehman. During our meeting, he asked me to visit JLNM Hospital, inspect the operation theatre and other facilities, and report back. At that point, I was unaware of the purpose behind the visit.

I visited JLNM Hospital, examined the operation theatre, and met the Medical Superintendent. Upon my return to the Directorate, the Director asked, “How are the facilities there?” I replied, “Everything is in order.” He then said, “If we start a Department of Oncosurgery at JLNM, can you lead it?”

Without hesitation, I responded, “Of course. I will do it.”

A proposal was submitted and subsequently approved. A few months later, in July 2011, I was officially posted at JLNM Hospital as Oncosurgeon.

I started my practice completely in oncology. Alhamduallah I got bestowed with success. One day in sep-oct 2012 a grand function was organised by the department in Dental college auditorium. I was called and told to attend the function tomorrow in a beautiful attire. I was not knowing about the event. I attended the programme.  Suddenly they announced my name under special performance award for conducting oncosurgeries in JK Health sector in 2012. This award was given to me by Minister of Health JK, along with Com Secretary HME, Director Health Services Kashmir, and in that pic Dr Abdul Kabir Dar who is currently Secretary ARI &Training is also present.

This became a base for me and in 2013 I got selected as Assistant Professor Surgical oncology SKIMS. Once I joined as Assistant Professor SKIMS there were other colleagues also. The department moved on and now I am heading the department as HOD Surgical Oncology SKIMS.

Practically this whole credit of my achievements goes to my parents, maternal uncles and spouse Mrs Aesha Parveen. Because When I went to Hyderabad for training. We had two kids , older one was in first class and younger in LKG. She didn't stop me from joining the institute. I almost remained there for three years. After coming back my only work was to leave at 8Am and enter at 11PM. During this period my wife never complained anything. Sometimes I would even forget about in which classes my kids study. One day I went to bring my kids back from school. I was searching then in 4th class and suddenly a lady teacher came to me and said your kid is in 5th class. Even I was not knowing it.

Now my children are young. But they never complaint anything about.  My wife was working in judiciary but nowadays she is the domestic engineer.

My elder son Mohd Haris Mir a LLB Graduate has qualified UPSC twice in 2024, and in this year too. He is already working a Assistant Comissioner Income Tax and recently he again qualified UPSC to improve his rank and succeeded in doing so and is joining IAS academy on 25 th August 2025 Insha-Allah and my younger daughter, Hadiya Wahid is doing graduation in  cluster University.

 I have performed more than2000  major surgeries and I have performed all types of Surgeries from breast, thyroid, GIT, ovarian. Uterine cancer surgeries .

I believe,  our food and our life style, pollution and other factors are responsible in rise in cancer disease in JK. But personally speaking Cancers were there before and in the current scenario detection rate has tremendously increased. Earlier it was not detected. Patient was having cancer and would expire undetected, undiagnosed and it was not known that he or she has died of cancer disease. I have personally seem many patients who were earlier treated by some doctors and they never consulted onco specialist. They were told you have nothing and they later came to me and I told them I am not satisfied. You please do these investigations and later I found there is a cancer and it got established. It is all due to detection process otherwise it would have remained undetected and progressed. Now a days cancer detection rate has increased manyfold.

The common opinion prevailing in general masses that there is no treatment to cancer is totally wrong. If detected in time it can properly treated and cured. Cancer treatment has now revolutionised. Many patients servive even after diagnosis with proper treatment. Every faculty of medical science advanced a lot and there are better treatment options available. And it has revolutionised the care and cure process

Dr Basharat Khan is a writer/ Columnist and author of the book Literary Beats۔ He can be reached at chogalwriter76@gmail.com