The Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre recently organised a ceremony to unveil a memorial plaque in honour of the late Dr Neelam Siddiqui, a dedicated medical oncologist who served the institution for more than 20 years.
Her husband, Dr Rashid Naeem Siddiqui, unveiled the plaque in the presence of family members and colleagues, who gathered to celebrate her remarkable life and enduring legacy. Tributes highlighted her unwavering commitment to patients and trainees, noting that she continued consultations via teleclinic until just 48 hours before her passing. Colleagues remembered her as the department’s “moral compass” and an inspiring mentor to numerous trainees. Chief Medical Officer Dr Aasim Yusuf described her as “our rock,” while CEO Dr Faisal Sultan praised the “steel of determination” beneath her gentle exterior. Head of Medical Oncology Dr Usman Ahmad, Chief Nursing Officer Ms Rehana Elahi, and one of her trainees, Dr Midhat, also shared heartfelt reflections. As an exceptional mentor, Dr Neelam Siddiqui trained nearly 50 oncologists at Shaukat Khanum, many of whom now serve patients across Pakistan and internationally.
Deeply missed, Dr Neelam Siddiqui is fondly remembered for her lifelong devotion to cancer care in Pakistan, serving with unwavering dedication and touching countless lives with her healing hands and gentle heart. Her contributions to oncology and efforts to advance cancer treatment in Pakistan will always be remembered with great respect and gratitude.