"Probing The Depths'' Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather; An Adept Administrator With A Poetic Flair

''Probing The Depths''

Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather; An Adept Administrator With A Poetic Flair 

Dr BASHARAT KHAN

In the enchanting village of Batpora Mattan Anantnag, nestled amidst the verdant tapestry of Kashmir, unfolds the chronicle of Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Rather; a saga seamlessly weaving together the rich threads of business legacy with an unwavering ardor for medicine, leadership, and the art of expression.

Dr Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Rather's journey spans the boundless fields of medicine, public health administration and the daunting trials of navigating the Covid pandemic.

Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Rather's educational odyssey commences at Montesaro School in Mattan, where the nascent seeds of academic brilliance are tenderly sown.

Graduating from Govt medical college Srinagar he embarks on a trajectory that intricately fuses medical expertise with a profound commitment to community service. 

From the coveted MBBS degree to the role of a dedicated Medical Officer, and later transitioning to SKIMS as a Resident in Administration, Dr. Mushtaq's inherent leadership qualities unfurl. His MD in Pediatrics from GMC Srinagar becomes a pivotal stepping stone, leading to a transformative role as Deputy MS at MCH Sanatnager.

Dr. Mushtaq's career takes an unconventional turn as he ascends to the distinguished position of Project Director at the AIDS Control Society. Eventually, on March 21, he assumes the mantle of Director of Health Services Kashmir during the zenith of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under his leadership as Director Health Services Kashmir, the Kashmir valley metamorphoses into one of the best-managed regions amidst the crisis, showcasing not only strategic acumen but unwavering resilience. Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Rather adeptly tackles vaccine skepticism through an impactful awareness program, leaving a positive impact that transcends regional boundaries.

Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Rather's impactful leadership as Director of Health Services in Kashmir extends beyond achievements, delving into the challenges of healthcare leadership during the intense COVID-19 crisis. Navigating complexities, he introduced innovations, adapting swiftly to dynamic circumstances. His resilience shines through personal growth moments, providing a relatable dimension to his journey. From facing uncertainties to fostering advancements, Dr. Mushtaq's narrative intertwines obstacles with triumphs, creating a truly human and inspiring story.

In the sphere of healthcare administration, Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, the luminary Director of Health Services in Kashmir, occupies a distinguished position. His leadership, akin to a guiding star, proved instrumental in bestowing upon the Gold Medal under TB elimination program; a momentous stride toward our collective aspiration of realizing a TB-free future by the year 2030.

Within the academic domain, he has orchestrated a metamorphic shift, facilitating access to education at the district level through the implementation of DNB courses in the rural hospital's strewn across the valley. This not only amplifies the scholarly milieu but also serves as a catalyst for academic environment, employment opportunities, concurrently elevating the standard of treatment and inaugurating a new epoch of progress in healthcare services in Kashmir valley. 

Dr. Mir Mushtaq a savvy health columnist, policy expert and nodal officer for PM Package/Tobacco Control Unit Kashmir illuminates Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Rather's distinguished career, depicting him as a visionary and compassionate leader shaped not only by triumphs but also challenges and introspection. The narrative highlights the weight of navigating healthcare leadership during the COVID-19 crisis, showcasing his resilience akin to a seasoned captain. His adaptive leadership, innovative problem-solving, and steadfast commitment to patient care emerge as guiding forces through the storm, portraying him as a leader characterized by experience, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to welfare of masses.

"Beneath his dynamic leadership, the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir took initiatives like the PMN dialysis program, the establishment of blood banks in rural hospitals, and the inception of day-care chemotherapy units, specialized care facilities (encompassing geriatrics, palliative care, mental health, mini ICU, SNCU, PICU) have flourished, significantly contributing the upliftmemt of healthcare facilities and amelioration of the morbidity and mortality rate."

The provision of ambulance services under 108 coupled with campaigns for mental health awareness, anti-tobacco measures, Save Heart Kashmir,Biomedical Equipment Management, Anaemia Mukt Bharat, and the Save Brain Initiative, pony ambulance innovation collectively showcase a proactive and compassionate commitment to public health. His unwavering dedication is evident in these endeavors, reflecting a genuine concern for the well-being of patient care and underscores his steadfast dedication to ensuring accessible healthcare in the Kashmir region.

"His sincere care for patients and staff is evident in the well-deserved promotions granted to hundreds of long-overlooked employees. His family, recognizing his time constraints, stands by him, endorsing his unwavering commitment to social service. Despite the prosperity of his business, capable of supporting a luxurious lifestyle, his core aspiration remains dedicated to serving the people."

Extending beyond the administrative corridors, Dr. Mushtaq reveals himself not merely as a committed administrator but also as an impassioned participant in literary functions. This fervor for the literature has been an enduring companion, tracing its roots back to his formative school days.

Even amid the rigors of a demanding administrative schedule, Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Rather remains resolute in his commitment. His contributions transcend the confines of healthcare, as he continues to inscribe additional chapters in both his administrative odyssey and literary pursuits. A genuine visionary, his curiosity serves as the impetus for an unwavering pursuit of excellence, leaving an indelible imprint on the healthcare panorama of Kashmir.

Beyond the realms of medicine and administration, Dr. Mushtaq emerges as an erudite poet and literary luminary. His collection "Zattin" ( Spark) and the poignant song "Qarar Rouvum" bear testimony to his multifaceted brilliance, transcending the roles of healer and leader into the expressive realms of poetry and music.

Qarar Rouvum--An ode to longing released on December 30, 2022, this Kashmiri song composed by Dr. Mushtaq Rather Pathan unfolds through the mellifluous voices of Sniti Mishra and Jaan Nissar Lone. The song articulates the grief of a devotee, depicting a once paradisiacal world transformed into a desolate landscape after separation. It eloquently conveys the yearning for the Almighty's presence, emphasizing that life, devoid of divine guidance, is bereft of direction.

Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Rather's career is a testament to his diverse talents and dedication. As a doctor, his profound medical expertise and compassionate approach to patient care are evident. 

In administration as Director Health Services Kashmir, he stands out as a dynamic leader with strategic vision, enhancing healthcare systems efficiency. 

What truly sets him apart is his prowess as a literary personality, seamlessly weaving narratives that reflect intellectual curiosity and a unique perspective on the human experience.

 

His contributions leave an indelible mark on the professional landscape, setting a standard for aspiring professionals across diverse domains.

The author is a writer, columnist, critic and blogger. He can be reached here