Srinagar- The Gauri Kaul Foundation, a cardiac healthcare initiative focused on reaching underserved and peripheral areas of Kashmir, on Friday marked five years of its service with a commemorative event attended by prominent medical professionals, public representatives and civil society members.
Speaking on the occasion, noted cardiologist and Chairman of the Foundation, Professor Dr. Upendra Kaul, reflected on his long association with the people of the region and the origins of his humanitarian work.
“I have served the people here extensively, especially during the 1990s when medical services in the region were severely disrupted. At that time, I was working at the All India Institute, and I made every possible effort to help patients from here—whether through financial assistance, expedited treatment, urgent angioplasties, or surgeries,” he said.
Dr. Kaul recalled that despite official outpatient department (OPD) hours ending at 7 PM, patient care often extended late into the night. “Even if the OPD hours officially ended at 7 PM, we often continued attending to patients until midnight. Since my OPD was not held daily and would only come once every four days, it was difficult for poor patients to wait that long without care. That is where my journey of service truly began,” he added.
Reflecting on his personal journey, he remarked, “Earlier, people used to call me Upendra Kaul, but over time it became shortened to U. Kaul, as many found it easier to pronounce.”
Among those present was MLA Pulwama, Waheed Ur Rehman Para, who lauded the initiative and its broader social impact. “In my opinion, this is a very welcome initiative. It comes from a Kashmiri Pandit who is among the finest doctors we have ever produced. Such efforts help bring Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims closer together,” he said.
He further noted that the initiative contributes not only to healthcare but also to the revival of the region’s shared cultural ethos. “This initiative not only contributes to the revival of ‘Kashmiriyat’ but also improves healthcare in the region. It shows how people can move forward, set aside the burdens of the past, support each other, and work towards integration in society,” Para said.
Praising Dr. Kaul’s efforts, he added, “Dr. U. Kaul is doing phenomenal work, and we extend our best wishes to him and his entire team. His work, especially on the ground in Pulwama, is highly commendable and deserves recognition.”
Highlighting the Foundation’s medical priorities, prominent cardiologist and Director of Gauri Health Centre, Dr. Abid Hussain, emphasized the importance of tackling Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD), a condition prevalent among children.
“One major area of focus has been Rheumatic Heart Disease—a condition commonly seen in children, often following untreated sore throats. This disease affects the heart valves and can cause serious damage if not detected early,” he said.
Dr. Hussain explained that the disease is often the result of repeated infections. “Typically, it results from repeated infections. One infection may affect the heart, and subsequent infections worsen the condition. However, if detected early, and if children are given regular monthly penicillin injections, the progression of the disease can be effectively prevented,” he added.
He also cautioned against reliance solely on clinical examination. “It has been observed that relying only on clinical examination leads to many cases being missed. Early screening and proper diagnosis are therefore extremely important,” he said.
Prof M.S. Khuroo described Dr. Kaul as a globally respected cardiologist whose commitment to his roots stands out. “Dr. Kaul is widely recognized as a leading cardiologist at both national and international levels. His decision to return home and conduct outreach programs in remote and underserved areas is truly commendable and a matter of pride for all of us,” he said.
The event witnessed significant participation from medical experts, community leaders, and members of the public, reflecting widespread appreciation for the Foundation’s work in strengthening cardiac healthcare access across Kashmir.
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