Dr. Yassar Arafat Sohil stands as a beacon of hope and innovation in rural healthcare, serving as a distinguished general and minimally invasive/laparoscopic surgeon at District Hospital (DH) Ramban in Jammu and Kashmir. His unwavering commitment to the welfare of his patients, coupled with his pioneering efforts in bringing advanced surgical techniques to a remote region, has transformed the medical landscape of District Ramban and earned him widespread admiration.
Born and raised in Ramban, Dr. Arafat’s roots in the community shaped his deep sense of responsibility to serve its people. He pursued his early education in Ramban before excelling in his MBBS at Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu, where his academic brilliance set the stage for a remarkable career. After completing his MBBS, Dr. Arafat chose to serve the rural population, joining DH Ramban as a medical officer. This early experience in rural healthcare ignited his passion for addressing the unique challenges faced by underserved communities.
Driven by a desire to advance his expertise, Dr. Arafat pursued a Master of Surgery in General and Minimal Access Surgery at GMC Srinagar. During his postgraduate training, he honed his skills under the mentorship of eminent surgeons, gaining hands-on experience in diverse fields, including general surgery, urology, surgical gastroenterology, neurosurgery, and pediatric surgery. His tenure as a registrar at GMC Srinagar further enriched his expertise, as he worked closely with stalwarts of the surgical department, mastering complex procedures and minimally invasive techniques.
In a testament to his dedication to his roots, Dr. Arafat returned to DH Ramban after completing his post-MS training, choosing to serve the poor and marginalized of his native district over more urban opportunities. Over the past two and a half years, he has worked tirelessly to elevate the standard of surgical care at DH Ramban. Dr. Arafat made history as the first surgeon to introduce minimally invasive and laparoscopic surgery to the district, a groundbreaking achievement that brought cutting-edge care to a region with limited resources. His surgical record is extraordinary, with over 1,000 major surgeries and more than 4,000 minor procedures performed successfully, transforming countless lives.
Dr. Arafat’s contributions extend beyond the operating room. He is a passionate educator, mentoring postgraduate students from various medical colleges across the Union Territory in the nuances of rural surgery. His guidance has shaped the careers of aspiring surgeons, earning him accolades for his role in medical education. The District Administration of Ramban has recognized his exceptional service, honoring him with awards in two consecutive years for his outstanding contributions to health and medical education.
A visionary in his field, Dr. Arafat’s passion for minimally invasive surgery and his mission to bring advanced surgical care to rural India have made him a respected figure in both medical and social spheres. His availability for consultations at Life-Line Medicate Ramban, as well as through tele- and video-based platforms, reflects his commitment to accessibility and patient care.
Dr. Yassar Arafat Sohil’s journey is a powerful narrative of skill, compassion, and service. By bridging the gap between advanced surgical techniques and rural healthcare, he has not only saved lives but also inspired a new generation of medical professionals to serve with purpose and dedication.