Humans of Safe Care, Saving Lives

This is the sixth in a series of profiles of the dedicated individuals behind the Safe Care, Saving Lives project. Safe Care, Saving Lives is a quality improvement project to improve neonatal care in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. 

Wahida, Student in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Government General Hospital, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
Wahida,
Student in Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Government General Hospital,
Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh

“I was born and raised in Kurnool, a city in Andhra Pradesh. I have had a deep and abiding interest in education since my childhood. My father recognized my abilities and encouraged me to pursue a career in medicine. He was my best friend and my greatest strength through my formative years.

I completed my Bachelor in Medicine and Surgery (MB,BS) degrees from Narayana Medical College, Nellore, and married soon after. Three months after my marriage, I lost my father in an accident. The guiding light of my life was gone. I am lucky to have a supportive husband who helped me through that time. My mother, too, has been very supportive. I am able to pursue my Master’s in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Government Medical College, Kurnool, because of her. She takes care of my children while I take care of newborns and children in need of critical medical care.

I have had a blessed life in terms of the opportunities that I have had.

My greatest misfortune has been that I was not able to do anything for my father. My father always believed in helping neighbors and friends. He instilled in me this concept of the ‘larger family.’ I wish to carry forward his legacy. I have chosen to pursue his principles so that a part of him will be with me forever.”