Staff Reporter : Kolkata, 7th March 2026: Stories of leadership, courage and survival took centre stage as Manipal Hospitals Kolkata marked International Women’s Day 2026 with a special celebration honouring inspiring women from diverse walks of life. The event brought together women leaders, doctors and patient survivors, creating a platform to recognise achievements, share personal journeys and encourage greater awareness around women’s health and well-being.
On the occasion, the hospital felicitated distinguished women from diverse fields for their exceptional contributions to society. The honourees included Jessica Gomes Surana, Principal of Birla High School Mukundapur, Neha Singh and Roohie Singh, Lieutenant Colonels (Dr) from the Indian Armed Forces, and Smita Roy Chowdhury, Editor of a leading entertainment supplement published by a renowned newspaper and Dr. Anjana Malhotra, Prinicipal Chief Medical Director at Central Hospital, South Eastern Railway, Kolkata.
The celebration also featured an insightful panel discussion where the women leaders shared their perspectives on challenges faced by women in everyday life. The discussion highlighted issues such as workplace stability, the need for inclusive work environments, mental health concerns, and the constant pressure on women to balance professional responsibilities with personal commitments.
Doctors from various units of Manipal Hospitals across the city attended the event and felicitated the women leaders for their contributions to society. The gathering saw participation from specialists representing the Broadway, Dhakuria, EM Bypass, Mukundapur and Salt Lake units, including experts from orthopaedics, oncology, nephrology, gastroenterology, neurosurgery, cardiology and obstetrics & gynaecology.
Speaking on the importance of women prioritising their health, Dr. Debashish Chakravarty, Senior Consultant – Orthopaedic & Robotic Surgeon at Manipal Hospitals Broadway, said, “Women often place the needs of their families before their own health, which leads to many orthopaedic conditions such as joint degeneration, untreated injuries, or bone health issues being diagnosed at a later stage. As women age, maintaining bone strength and joint health becomes extremely important. Regular check-ups, early medical intervention and prioritising self-care can help women stay active, independent and free from long-term mobility issues.”
Highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and strong support systems, Dr. Upal Sengupta, Director – Team Nephrology & Consultant – Nephrology & Kidney Transplant at Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, said, “kidney diseases often remain silent in the early stages, especially in women who may ignore symptoms while focusing on family responsibilities. Timely screening, proper treatment and the emotional support of family members can make a significant difference in managing kidney conditions and improving outcomes. Many of our patients show extraordinary courage through dialysis and transplant journeys, reminding us that awareness and support play a vital role in recovery.”
Emphasising awareness and early detection, Dr. Arunava Roy, HOD & Senior Consultant – Gynecologic Oncology at Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, said, “Women’s health issues, particularly gynaecological cancers, are often surrounded by hesitation and lack of awareness. Regular screenings, timely consultations and open conversations about symptoms are critical for early detection. When cancers such as cervical or ovarian cancer are identified early, treatment outcomes improve significantly. Empowering women with knowledge about their health is one of the most important steps towards saving lives.”
Speaking about preventive care, Dr. Parijat Deb Choudhury, Consultant – Interventional Cardiologist at Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, added, “Heart disease is often perceived as a condition that primarily affects men, but it is one of the leading health risks for women as well. The challenge is that symptoms in women can be different and sometimes more subtle, leading to delayed diagnosis. Regular health check-ups, managing stress, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and undergoing preventive cardiac screening can help women take proactive control of their cardiovascular health.”
Adding a deeply emotional and inspiring dimension to the celebration, the event also honoured women patients who have bravely overcome serious health challenges. The survivors shared their powerful journeys of courage, resilience, and recovery, inspiring many with their strength and determination.
Sharing her experience, Amrita Mukherjee, who received treatment under Dr. Abhinibesh Chatterjee and Dr. Polly Chatterjee at Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, said, “Going through a difficult gynaecological health challenge was not easy, but the care and reassurance from my doctors helped me stay positive throughout the process. This experience taught me the importance of trusting the medical team guiding you through recovery. Today, I feel grateful, healthier, and emotionally stronger.”
Reflecting on her journey, Suchismita Mukherjee, who underwent treatment for gynaecological cancer under the care of Dr. Arunava Roy at Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, said, “Being diagnosed with gynaecological cancer was one of the toughest moments of my life. But with the expertise and constant support from my doctors, I found the courage to face the treatment with hope and determination. Today, I stand here not just as a survivor, but as someone who believes that strength and faith can help overcome even the hardest battles.”
Monita Gurung Chettri, who has been undergoing treatment for kidney disease under Dr. Upal Sengupta at Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, said, “My journey with kidney disease has been long and challenging, from undergoing dialysis to preparing for a transplant. What keeps me hopeful is the love and support of my family, especially my father, who is donating his kidney to give me a new chance at life. This experience has shown me that courage, faith and family support can truly transform difficult journeys into stories of hope.”
Through this celebration, Manipal Hospitals Kolkata reaffirmed its commitment to recognising women who inspire society while continuing to promote awareness and accessible healthcare for women across all stages of life.
About Manipal Hospitals
As a pioneer in healthcare, Manipal Hospitals is among the top healthcare providers in India serving over 8 million patients annually, with a focus on providing affordable, high-quality healthcare services. Manipal’s integrated network today has a pan-India footprint of 49 hospitals across 24 cities with 12,600 licensed beds, and a talented pool of 11,000+ doctors and an employee strength of over 34000.Manipal Hospitals provides comprehensive curative and preventive care for a multitude of patients from around the globe. Manipal Hospitals is AAHRPP accredited and most of the hospitals in its network are NABH, NABL, ER, Blood Bank accredited and recognized for Nursing Excellence
