FIRST-HAND ACCOUNT: A paediatrician’s tale of treating children beyond disease
Dr. Mohammad Ashraf: The Calm Guardian of Children’s Health in Kashmir
Gowher Bhat
Srinagar, Kashmir – In the heart of Kashmir, where life often moves between challenge and hope, a calm figure walks the corridors of the Government Children’s Hospital, Bemina, Srinagar. His quiet presence brings comfort to anxious parents and reassurance to little patients. That figure is Dr. Mohammad Ashraf, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Consultant Pediatric Nephrologist at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar.
With an MD and DNB in Pediatrics, Dr. Ashraf has dedicated his career to caring for children with a rare blend of scientific precision, compassion, and patience—becoming a beacon of hope for families across the Valley.
A Physician Who Heals Beyond Illness
“Treating a child is never just about the disease,” Dr. Ashraf said in a recent conversation. “Every child is part of a family, and illness affects the entire household. A doctor must understand not only the medical condition but also the emotions of both the child and the parents.”
That philosophy defines his daily practice. What truly sets Dr. Ashraf apart is his calm and communicative approach.
“I always take time to speak with parents, explain the treatment, answer their questions, and reassure them,” he said. “Often, a calm conversation can do as much good as the medicine itself.”
Families feel this difference instantly. Arwaa, mother of one of his young patients, recalled:
“Dr. Ashraf never rushes. He listens carefully, explains everything clearly, and answers every question. After meeting him, I feel calm and my child feels safe.”
Shaista, aunt of another patient, shared:
“Even when the hospital is crowded, he stays composed. He treats every child as if they were his own. His patience and gentle words make a huge difference.”
Expertise in Pediatric Nephrology
Dr. Ashraf specializes in pediatric nephrology, a field that focuses on kidney-related disorders in children. His areas of expertise include nephrotic syndrome, chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI), congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and renal tubular acidosis.
Over the years, he has successfully treated hundreds of children suffering from these complex conditions—restoring not just their health but their families’ peace of mind.
“Rushing through consultations never helps,” he said. “Every child deserves full attention. The difference between a good outcome and a complication often lies in the smallest details and those require time, patience, and empathy.
A Calm and Composed Presence
For parents visiting the Government Children’s Hospital in Bemina, Dr. Ashraf’s calm demeanor is a source of immense reassurance.
“No matter how busy he is, he never loses patience,” said Arwaa. “His calmness spreads to the children and to us. Just seeing him makes you feel things will be fine.”
His colleagues share the same respect. Known for his composure in emergencies, Dr. Ashraf handles critical cases with focus and precision.
“He never panics,” said one colleague. “Even under pressure, he remains steady and communicates clearly with families.”
Guiding Families Through Counsel and Care
For Dr. Ashraf, healing extends beyond prescriptions and procedures. He invests time in counseling parents, helping them understand their child’s condition and treatment in simple, reassuring terms. Many families leave his office feeling informed and hopeful.
Shaista, aunt of a young patient, shared:
“Dr. Ashraf doesn’t just treat the illness; he treats the family. When my niece was diagnosed with a kidney problem, we were terrified. But after his counseling, we felt reassured. He gave us hope and today my nephew is healthy and thriving.”
Research, Teaching, and Mentorship
Beyond his clinical duties, Dr. Ashraf is a dedicated researcher and teacher. His academic work spans nephrotic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, and pediatric urinary tract infections. His findings have enriched medical understanding across the region.
As an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at GMC Srinagar, he mentors postgraduate students and residents, teaching them not only the science of medicine but the art of compassion.
“I tell my students that patience, communication, and empathy are as essential as knowledge,” he said. “Without kindness, a doctor cannot truly heal.”
Community Awareness and Outreach
Dr. Ashraf also devotes time to community outreach programs aimed at raising awareness about children’s kidney health. He educates parents about early symptoms, preventive measures, and the importance of timely medical consultation.
“Education is as important as treatment,” he emphasized. “When families recognize early signs, we can prevent complications and save lives.”
Parents have seen the benefits of this work firsthand.
“Because of these awareness drives, I recognized my child’s symptoms early,” said Arwaa. “That early detection saved us from a much bigger problem.”
Real Voices from the Valley
The true measure of Dr. Ashraf’s work is reflected in the gratitude of families whose children he has healed.
Arwaa, mother of a child treated for nephrotic syndrome, said:
“We were terrified when my child was diagnosed. But Dr. Ashraf explained everything clearly, treated my child with patience, and supported us throughout. Today, my child is healthy and thriving. We will always be grateful.”
Shaista, aunt of another young patient, shared:
“Even on the busiest days, he never hurried us. He listened to every concern and treated my niece with compassion. We feel blessed to have him as our doctor.”
For many families across Kashmir, Dr. Ashraf is not merely a doctor—he is a guardian of children’s health and a source of steadfast reassurance.
Dedication Amid Challenges
Practicing medicine in Kashmir presents unique challenges—limited resources, high patient loads, and the emotional toll of pediatric illness. Yet, Dr. Ashraf’s commitment remains unwavering.
“Challenges are part of the job,” he said. “What matters is dedication. Every child deserves the best care, regardless of the circumstances.”
A Role Model and a Legacy of Hope
“Watching him with patients shows us what true healing looks like,” said one of his postgraduate students. “He teaches by example—how to speak gently, listen patiently, and treat every child as someone’s whole world. His calmness is something we all aspire to.”
Indeed, Dr. Mohammad Ashraf’s influence extends far beyond the hospital’s walls. In a place where parents often arrive anxious and afraid, his presence restores not only health but also faith—in medicine, in kindness, and in humanity itself.
For countless families across Kashmir, he has become more than a doctor. He is a steady hand in uncertainty, a voice of reassurance in fear, and a calm guardian watching over the Valley’s youngest lives.
His legacy is not only written in research papers or academic titles, but in the countless children who laugh and play again because of his care and in the relieved smiles of parents who find hope in his words.
As Dr. Ashraf himself reflects:
“The greatest reward for a doctor is to see a child recover, smile, and return to a normal life. That smile—that’s everything.”
Through compassion, competence, and calmness, Dr. Mohammad Ashraf continues to embody what it truly means to heal with heart, humility, and hope.
(Straight Talk Communications exclusive. The author is a Published Author, Senior Columnist, Creative Writer, Educator, Book Reviewer, and Freelance Journalist based in Kashmir)
