From Operating Theatre to Hospital Bed

GILGIT — Lying on a hospital bed and battling cancer, Hameedullah now finds himself in the same ward where he once spent decades helping doctors save lives.

The veteran Operating Theatre Assistant, believed to be the longest serving OTA at the Shaheed Saifur Rehman Government Teaching Hospital, dedicated much of his professional life to assisting surgeons and supporting medical teams during critical operations.

Today, colleagues say, the man who spent years standing beside operating tables is facing the most difficult chapter of his life with the same quiet strength that defined his career.

In recognition of his decades long service, doctors and hospital staff organized a small but emotional ceremony at the hospital earlier this week. The gathering was arranged by Dr. Nazneen Iqbal, Head of the Gynaecology Department, and attended by Medical Superintendent Dr. Afzal Siraj, senior doctors, nursing staff and operating theatre personnel.

During the ceremony, staff members presented Hameedullah with a commemorative shield, certificates of appreciation and bouquets of flowers, acknowledging his lifelong dedication to the healthcare sector in Gilgit.

For many in the hospital, Hameedullah was more than just a colleague.

“Mr. Hameedullah has been the backbone of our operating theatre for years,” said one of his fellow staff members. “He was alw

ays the first to arrive and the last to leave. His calm presence during surgeries and his respect for both doctors and patients made him an invaluable member of this hospital.”

Over the years, Hameedullah assisted surgeons in countless operations, becoming a familiar and reassuring presence for patients entering the theatre.

One former patient, who had undergone surgery at the hospital, recalled the comfort he received from him.

“I still remember how he spoke to me before my operation,” the patient said. “I was very nervous, but he reassured me and told me everything would be fine. His kindness meant a lot to me.”

For many staff members, the moment was deeply emotional as they stood beside the man who had supported them through years of demanding medical work.

Hospital officials say Hameedullah is continuing his treatment and is confronting the illness with remarkable courage.

In a statement issued on the occasion, the hospital administration described him as a true asset to the Gilgit-Baltistan Health Department, noting that his dedication, discipline and humility have left a lasting mark on the institution.

For the doctors, nurses and patients who knew him, Hameedullah remains a symbol of quiet service, a man who spent his life helping others heal, and who now receives the gratitude and prayers of the community he served for so many years.