Karachi-based eminent gynaecologist – Dr. Faridoon Setna, passed away on 8^th May, 2021, following a brief illness. An octogenarian, Dr. Sethna is survived by his wife and three sons. His funeral prayers were held the next day at 8th Mary Road, Bath Island in Karachi, as per the family. “In light of the prevailing Covid pandemic, the arrangements will be for the family and close friends only, but we will deeply appreciate your prayers,” they said in a statement.

Dr. Sethna He worked in the field for over 50 years and was known for dealing with high-risk obstetrics, complex gynecological problems and infertility treatments. He was one of the most experienced practitioners in Pakistan in the field of infertility and helped hundreds of couples to conceive through IVF.

A Dow Medical College graduate and Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Dr. Sethna did his training in Scotland. He dedicated his life rebuilding Lady Dufferin Hospital (LDH) in the Kharadar area and treated poor patients from old Karachi. At the LDH, he remained involved in teaching and training post-graduate students in obstetrics and gynaecology. He participated in numerous international and national scientific meetings and conferences. He took keen interest in philanthropic activities, too.

He was also the Chair and Medical Director of the Concept Fertility Centre in Clifton. A great mentor to countless gynaecologists, he rooted strongly for women’s empowerment and staunchly supported the role of midwives and the cause to provide best care to pregnant women. In 1994, he was made part of three-member National Committee on Maternal and Neonatal Health with an objective to analyse the high rate of maternal mortality and morbidity in the country and develop workable approaches to lower these rates.

“Heartbroken that old friend, comrade, doctor, and humanitarian par excellence, Dr. Faridoon Sethna passed away,” tweeted Senator Sherry Rehman, adding, “His philanthropy was legendary.”

Dr. Sethna was awarded the prestigious Sitara-e-Imtiaz for his contributions to the field of Maternal Medicine in Pakistan. He was the obstetrician to former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, in addition to a host of other Pakistani celebrities.