Dr Tsering Landol, Ladakh’s first practising woman gynaecologist, dedicated decades to improving maternal and reproductive healthcare despite extreme weather, limited medical resources and cultural taboos. She joined Sonam Norboo Memorial Hospital in Leh in 1979 and retired from her hospital position in 2003. Her contributions earned her the Padma Shri in 2006 and the Padma Bhushan in 2020.
From helping mothers deliver babies in freezing conditions to educating women about reproductive health, she worked to make healthcare more accessible. Even after retirement, she continued serving patients through voluntary clinics with the Ladakh Heart Foundation and advocated training local doctors to strengthen healthcare in remote communities.
Overcoming Challenges In Maternal Care
When Dr Landol began practising in 1979, she was the only practising gynaecologist from Ladakh. Sonam Norboo Memorial Hospital was the region’s only major district hospital, and providing maternity care presented significant challenges. Central heating was difficult to secure, while shortages of oxygen cylinders created risks during prolonged labour and newborn emergencies.
To keep mothers warm during deliveries, medical staff improvised by using the traditional Kashmiri hammam system, which involves dry hot air baths. Dr Landol also travelled to remote areas for medical emergencies and camps, advising women on diet, hygiene and reproductive health.
Her work required more than medical expertise. She understood that women needed to feel comfortable discussing sensitive health concerns without embarrassment or fear of judgement.
Challenging Taboos And Promoting Local Healthcare
Dr Landol’s commitment was shaped by experiences during her childhood. She recalled seeing her mother treated as an untouchable after childbirth and served food in separate vessels. As she grew older, she recognised the need to challenge such practices and improve awareness of women’s health.
She pursued medicine partly because she wanted women to have access to a doctor who understood their concerns and encouraged open conversations. During her career, she witnessed changes in awareness about menstruation and reproductive health.
Dr Landol also emphasised the importance of training local doctors in Ladakh, where communities are scattered across a vast geographical area. Speaking about the value of shared language and cultural understanding, she said, “It is because I am a Ladakhi that I was able to identify with the issues the women were facing, speak to them in Ladakhi, encourage them to open up about their problems and convince them about the solutions.”
After graduating in Srinagar, she received training in the United Kingdom through British Council sponsorship and in Delhi. She welcomed support from national and international organisations but maintained that developing local medical expertise was essential for sustainable healthcare.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Dr Tsering Landol’s journey highlights how compassion, education and cultural understanding can improve healthcare in underserved communities. Her work extended beyond treating patients to challenging harmful taboos, building trust and encouraging women to seek medical advice without fear or shame. The Padma Shri in 2006 and Padma Bhushan in 2020 recognised her contributions, while her continued voluntary service reflects her enduring commitment to patients.
At The Logical Indian, we believe every woman deserves dignified healthcare, regardless of where she lives. Strengthening local medical services and promoting open conversations about reproductive health are vital steps towards lasting change. How can India make healthcare more accessible while ensuring women feel safe discussing their health concerns?
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