India: Tsering Lahdol

Gynecologist Tsering Lahdol has been an extremely effective agent for social change in Ladakh, thanks to her humane approach and her ability to relate to people.

— Tsering Lahdol

Gynecologist Tsering Lahdol lives and works in the mountainous region of Ladakh. When she started her work, healthcare facilities in the region were extremely basic. Today, thanks in no small part to her contribution, healthcare services, in general, and women's reproductive healthcare, in particular, have improved significantly in Ladakh. She has also been a very effective agent for social change in Ladakh, thanks to her humane approach and her ability to relate to people.

Tsering Lahdol has served Ladakh for almost three decades through her work at the Sonam Nurboo Memorial Hospital (SNMH) in Leh. A native, she went to school in Leh, Ladakh's capital. Later, this farmer's daughter went to the state capital, Srinagar, to study at the Srinagar Medical College, specializing in gynecology. Tsering, a very competent gynecologist, is much more than a doctor. Her work gave her the opportunity to learn about familial and social relationships and practices in Ladakh, and their impact on women and children. She made use of this knowledge to provide counseling services, and sensitize people and spread awareness about gender issues. She is an indispensable resource person for all meetings, seminars, workshops, and policy discussions on Ladakhi society. An extremely humane approach and the ability to relate to people are her ways to change people's attitudes. Thanks to her contribution, healthcare services and women's reproductive health have improved significantly. She has highlighted issues in the region's development debate, in particular, women's health, adolescence, and reproductive roles, which have become matters for reflection in Ladakhi society. As a gynecologist, Tsering remains a symbol of service, dedication, commitment, and compassion. Her concern for women's problems is a quality rare in this roughhouse region.

Sonam Nurboo Memorial Hospital (SNMH)