Honouring Women Leaders and Inspiring Survivors. Pictures by Bibhash Lodh/BS News Agency.
Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency, Kolkata: Stories of leadership, courage and survival took centre stage as Manipal Hospitals Kolkata marked International Women’s Day 2026 with a special celebration honouring inspiring women from diverse walks of life. The event brought together women leaders, doctors and patient survivors, creating a platform to recognise achievements, share personal journeys and encourage greater awareness around women’s health and well-being.
On the occasion, the hospital felicitated distinguished women from diverse fields for their exceptional contributions to society. The honourees included Jessica Gomes Surana, Principal of Birla High School Mukundapur, Neha Singh and Roohie Singh, Lieutenant Colonels (Dr) from the Indian Armed Forces, and Smita Roy Chowdhury, Editor of a leading entertainment supplement published by a renowned newspaper and Dr. Anjana Malhotra, Prinicipal Chief Medical Director at Central Hospital, South Eastern Railway, Kolkata.
The celebration also featured an insightful panel discussion where the women leaders shared their perspectives on challenges faced by women in everyday life. The discussion highlighted issues such as workplace stability, the need for inclusive work environments, mental health concerns, and the constant pressure on women to balance professional responsibilities with personal commitments.
Doctors from various units of Manipal Hospitals across the city attended the event and felicitated the women leaders for their contributions to society. The gathering saw participation from specialists representing the Broadway, Dhakuria, EM Bypass, Mukundapur and Salt Lake units, including experts from orthopaedics, oncology, nephrology, gastroenterology, neurosurgery, cardiology and obstetrics & gynaecology.
Speaking on the importance of women prioritising their health, Dr. Debashish Chakravarty, Senior Consultant – Orthopaedic & Robotic Surgeon at Manipal Hospitals Broadway, said, “Women often place the needs of their families before their own health, which leads to many orthopaedic conditions such as joint degeneration, untreated injuries, or bone health issues being diagnosed at a later stage. As women age, maintaining bone strength and joint health becomes extremely important. Regular check-ups, early medical intervention and prioritising self-care can help women stay active, independent and free from long-term mobility issues.”
Highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and strong support systems, Dr. Upal Sengupta, Director – Team Nephrology & Consultant – Nephrology & Kidney Transplant at Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, said, “kidney diseases often remain silent in the early stages, especially in women who may ignore symptoms while focusing on family responsibilities. Timely screening, proper treatment and the emotional support of family members can make a significant difference in managing kidney conditions and improving outcomes. Many of our patients show extraordinary courage through dialysis and transplant journeys, reminding us that awareness and support play a vital role in recovery.”
Emphasising awareness and early detection, Dr. Arunava Roy, HOD & Senior Consultant – Gynecologic Oncology at Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, said, “Women’s health issues, particularly gynaecological cancers, are often surrounded by hesitation and lack of awareness. Regular screenings, timely consultations and open conversations about symptoms are critical for early detection. When cancers such as cervical or ovarian cancer are identified early, treatment outcomes improve significantly. Empowering women with knowledge about their health is one of the most important steps towards saving lives.”