Medical education in Kashmir has evolved from a traditional system dominated by hereditary healers (Hakims), who used to practice the Unani system of medicine. Then there were the spiritual amulets, a part of our cultural and spiritual practices. Pandits believed in Rudraksha, sacred beads believed to be symbols of Lord Shiva used for meditation and spiritual growth. The Muslims used Aqiq, a stone considered sacred and also silver amulets (Ta’wiz) containing verses from the Holy Quran as healing promoters. These measures, however, were gradually replaced by a robust modern infra structure which was driven by early missionary zeal, royal patronage and a lineage of legendary clinicians.

Dr William Jackson Elmslie of the Scottish origin was the first missionary to practice modern medicine in Srinagar starting in the summers of 1885. He was sent by the Church Missionary Society (CMS). He opened a small dispensary called “Amira Kadal Mission Dispensary” which became very popular and he moved it to the European Quarters in Munshi Bagh, where it remained in later years. In addition to his usual medical work, Elmslie taught medical classes to locals and simple ophthalmic surgery to local doctors. He was also a skilled surgeon, successfully removing cysts, tumours and bladder stones and orthopaedic procedures like joint resections. Elmslie was succeeded by Theodore Maxwell, and Downes who continued the progression of the mission. They were the leaders for the construction the mission’s first buildings as the Mission Hospital in Drugjan, on the hill near Buchwara, Dal gate.

This was followed by Arthur and Ernest Neve who came to replace the CMS and worked very hard to continue providing medical first buildings as the Mission Hospital in Drugjan. They were joined by their niece Nora, a nurse who also joined the CMS. Patients used to come from villages scattered throughout Kashmir and the........

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