New Delhi- Dr SK Bhandari, a renowned obstetrician and gynaecologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi, succumbed to the coronavirus infection on Thursday, according to officials.
Dr Bhandari was 86 at the time of her demise. The renowned gynaecologist delivered Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and her two children.
Dr DS Rana, chairman of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said she was admitted to the hospital two weeks ago for heart problems but tested positive for Covid-19. He also added that the veteran gynaecologist received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Her 97-year-old husband, who is a retired IAS officer, is also in ICU battling the COVID-19 infection and is unaware of his spouse's demise.
Priyanka Gandhi Vandra took to Twitter to offer her heartfelt condolences for the demise of the veteran doctor.
"Dr SK Bhandari, Emeritus Consultant, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, who delivered my brother, me, my son and my daughter passed away today. Even in her late seventies, she would drive early morning to the hospital herself. A leader to the end, she upheld every noble trait of humanity. A woman I will always respect and admire, a friend I will always miss," she tweeted.
Rana said Dr Bhandari served the hospital for 58 long years, joining after completing her post-graduation from London.
She was the one who founded the hospital's gynaecology and obstetrics department, and despite not being an IVF specialist, she urged doctors to set up a facility in the hospital, according to Rana.
She was visiting the hospital during the first phase of the pandemic, but she quit after developing heart problems. However, she was providing consultations from the comfort of her own home.
"When I came to Delhi 30-40 years ago, there were only two renowned gynaecologists in Delhi -- Dr S K Bhandari and Dr Sheila Mehra of Moolchand Medcity. She was like a mother figure to me and the loss is quite huge," Rana said.
According to Dr Abha Majumdar, director and head of IVF at Ganga Ram Hospital, the two have an unspoken connection. "We hardly had to say anything to each other. I always knew she was there to support me and she knew that I was heading towards my goal. She was like a mother figure and she was the one who helped me realise my calling," she told PTI.
"She had the vision. When she learnt I was interested in infertility treatment, she said that you will have to put your whole and soul into it and you won't be taking up general gynae cases. I was advised by so many other obstetrics and gynaecologists that how will you manage your bread and butter doing IVF? I give my full credit to Dr Bhandari because she pushed me," she added.
Dr Bhandari is survived by her husband, who is currently undergoing COVID-19 and her daughter, who is also a doctor. The daughter is also said to have contracted the virus.