Dr. Sneh Bhargava, who made history as the first and only female director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi, recalls her remarkable journey as a pioneering figure in Indian medicine. Born in 1930 into an affluent family, Bhargava was driven by a passion to make a difference, which guided her throughout her illustrious career.
Her recently published memoir, "The Woman Who Ran AIIMS," chronicles her experiences, especially her firsthand account of the chaos following Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's assassination on October 31, 1984. Although Bhargava was initially in her office reviewing medical cases, she was soon prompted to rush to the casualty ward, where Gandhi was brought after being shot. “My first thoughts were that we had to help her and protect her from further harm,” she recalled.
Under immense pressure as news of Gandhi's death began to spread and violence erupted outside, Dr. Bhargava and her team had the daunting task of maintaining the appearance of life-saving efforts for four hours until the official announcement was made. She recounts the traumatic process of preparing the prime minister's body for embalming, highlighting both the emotional weight of the moment and the medical challenges faced.
Throughout her career, Dr. Bhargava has experienced numerous noteworthy incidents, from interacting with prominent political figures to navigating the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated sector. She recalls a time when Sonia Gandhi brought her son Rahul to AIIMS after an injury, a challenge met with a blend of concern and protective instinct on Bhargava's part.
Despite political pressures that sought to influence her decisions about appointments at AIIMS, Bhargava remained resolute, ensuring that patient care was always prioritized. Beyond her role in governance and emergency situations, she worked tirelessly to elevate the standards of radiology in India, building one of the most prestigious radiology departments in the country.
Bhargava’s journey is a testament to perseverance in the face of societal challenges, particularly for women in India. She reflects on her own upbringing, particularly the support she received from her family, emphasizing, “It starts from childhood. Parents should support their daughters the same way they support their sons.” This call to action serves as an inspiration for future generations of women to pursue their dreams and break barriers.
