Dr. Rustom Soonawala, a distinguished gynaecologist noted for his work in women’s health and family planning, passed away at 95. His invention of the polyethylene IUD and significant contributions to infertility treatments were groundbreaking. Respected for his dedication, he was a medical advisor at Breach Candy Hospital and remained active in the profession until recently.
Article by Eshan Kalyanikar | Times of India
MUMBAI: Renowned gynaecologist Dr Rustom Soonawala, whose pioneering work in women’s health and contributions to family planning earned him a Padma Shri in 1991, died at 95 on Sunday after prolonged illness.
Doctor to all — from Bollywood elites to the everyday woman — his most notable contribution was the invention of the polyethylene IUD in the 1960s, which proved to be safer than previous devices.
“He was a key contributor to the advancement of infertility treatment in the country,” said Dr Hrishikesh Pai, a former president of the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India.
Though he retired from surgery much earlier, Dr Soonawala remained active in the profession, offering consultations until a few years ago.
In her 2015 book Lifegiver, Dr Soonawala’s biographer Rashmi Uday Singh chronicles his career: he earned his MD in 1956 at Wadia Hospital and rose through the ranks becoming professor.
“It took me five years to write (the) biography but I had been his patient for 40 years. He delivered my son, did my hysterectomy, and was the kindest, most caring doctor,” Singh said, recalling an instance when Dr Soonawala, despite attending his best friend’s funeral, rushed to assist with a delivery, telling her, “It is all a matter of life and death.”
Later, he practised at Breach Candy Hospital, where his son Dr Feroze Soonawala works in the same department today. Colleague Dr Nozer Sheriar said, “He was (always) there for his patients when they needed him.”
“He was… an inspiration to the fraternity,” said Vile Parle gynaecologist Dr Nirmal Gujarathi, who recalled attending Dr Soonawala’s lectures at Wadia Hospital 15 years ago. The 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.”
Mumbai: Renowned gynaecologist Dr Rustom Soonawala, whose pioneering work in women’s health and contributions to family planning earned him a Padma Shri in 1991, died at 95 on Sunday after prolonged illness.
Doctor to all — from Bollywood elites to the everyday woman — his most notable contribution was the invention of the polyethylene IUD in the 1960s, which proved to be safer than previous devices.
“He was a key contributor to the advancement of infertility treatment in the country,” said Dr Hrishikesh Pai, a former president of the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India. Though he retired from surgery much earlier, Dr Soonawala remained active in the profession, offering consultations until a few years ago.
In her 2015 book Lifegiver, Dr Soonawala’s biographer Rashmi Uday Singh chronicles his career: he earned his MD in 1956 at Wadia Hospital and rose through the ranks becoming professor. “It took me five years to write (the) biography but I had been his patient for 40 years. He delivered my son, did my hysterectomy, and was the kindest, most caring doctor,” Singh said, recalling an instance when Dr Soonawala, despite attending his best friend’s funeral, rushed to assist with a delivery, telling her, “It is all a matter of life and death.”
Later, he practised at Breach Candy Hospital, where his son Dr Feroze Soonawala works in the same department today. Colleague Dr Nozer Sheriar said, “He was (always) there for his patients when they needed him.”
“He was… an inspiration to the fraternity,” said Vile Parle gynaecologist Dr Nirmal Gujarathi, who recalled attending Dr Soonawala’s lectures at Wadia Hospital 15 years ago. The 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.”
Here is a video recording of a TEDx Talk that Dr. Soonawala gave a few years ago