Dr Surheeta Kareem: Self-Care Is Health First!
When Dr. Surheeta Kareem began her medical practice in Gorakhpur four decades ago, the city had little to offer in terms of modern healthcare. At that time, there were hardly two or three qualified doctors available, and women in particular had almost no access to specialized medical care. Yet, Dr. Kareem—today a senior gynaecologist, laparoscopic surgeon, and Director of Star Hospital, Gorakhpur—chose to establish herself in this city, determined to change the narrative of women’s health. The beginning was not easy. Setting up her practice at a time when clinics were scarce and infrastructure was minimal required perseverance. But what made Gorakhpur stand out, Dr. Kareem recalls, was its warmth and openness. The community welcomed her, extended trust, and supported her efforts. Over the years, she went on to establish the city’s first laparoscopic clinic, bringing advanced procedures to women in the region who had never before had access to such care. Her voice, featured on the Voice of Mosaic podcast, reminds us why women’s health cannot be treated as secondary or optional. Awareness, she insists, is the first step toward empowerment. And in the conversation, she unfolds a comprehensive journey of women’s health—starting with puberty and moving through parenthood, menopause, and beyond.
