Dr. D.S. Rana is a leading Indian Nephrologist. He is currently Chairman, Department of Nephrology and Chairman, Board of Management, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. Dr. Rana took over as Chairman, Board of Management, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in May 2011 and he is firmly committed to keep the pace of growth of this reputed tertiary care hospital to match the requirements of the developing society to provide cutting edge healthcare. However, he will be putting extra stress on medical education and research. He firmly believes that medical education and research are important component to provide the best care to the patients and as well as provide trained manpower to meet the requirement of fast developing healthcare sector. To achieve this Ganga Ram Institute of Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (GRIPMER) has been already established in March 2012.
Biography
editChildhood
editSon of an Army Officer, Dr. Rana born in 1949 in a small village, District Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, had his secondary education with brilliant academic record from higher secondary school, Bhuranj, a village school, where he had to travel 12 km on foot daily. A cherished walk in time he still loves recalling till today. Like most of us, school days were the best days of his life too.
Medical Education
editHe completed pre-medical education from DAV College, Chandigarh with flying colors. He obtained MBBS degree from Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla in 1972 with merit scholarships and passing various examinations with distinctions and honours at the University. His post-graduation continued at prestigious medical institutes of India; MD (Medicine) in 1976 from PGIMER, Chandigarh and MNAMS (Nephrology) in 1980 from AIIMS, New Delhi. Well-deservingly to this merit, he was awarded International Scholarship in Renal Transplantation by Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio, USA in 1986. He is a Gold Medalist and recipient of various scholarships during his undergraduate and postgraduate training.
Professional Journey
editContinuing on his journey from the serene hills to the surreal cities, Dr. Rana initiated his career at AIIMS, New Delhi in 1977, where he was little aware of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH). He happened to meet Dr. S.K. Sama at a dinner, who then encouraged and inspired him to establish a Department of Nephrology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. He joined SGRH in April 1981 and became pioneer to start nephrology services in northern India in non-government sector. Then Chairman, Board of Management (BOM), Dr. K.C. Mahajan and subsequent Chairperson Dr. B.K. Vohra, Dr. S.K. Bhandari, Dr. K.P. Jain and Dr. S.K. Sama provided immense encouragement and an ambient atmosphere for the growth of department of Nephrology & Kidney Transplantation. And today it is honored as one of the largest and highly prestigious departments of Nephrology & Kidney Transplantation in India. For more than 20 years, Dr D S Rana has been heading this department.
In early 80’s, with the absence of modern technology, he provided hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplant services through his own innovative ideas. Dr. Rana has etched an illustrious career, both as a medical administration and as a Nephrologist where his contribution towards the field is well recognized by global community.
Contribution to Home State
editIt is during the illness of his mother in his school days, that he realized the gross lack of rudimentary medical facilities in the villages and determined to become a doctor. However, the subject of biology was yet not taught at his school. Fortunately, during that period, Late Shri Triloki Nath, then Principal at DAV College, Chandigarh recognized his potential and relentlessly helped him pursue a path in medical stream & eventually realize his dream of serving as a doctor. While still in his degree college, people from surrounding villages had already started looking up to him for medical help. And with that spirit, he continues to render healthcare assistance to the people of Himachal Pradesh.
Constantly driven through his mother’s inspiration and goal to provide quality education and healthcare at affordable prices at the door steps of the rural population, Dr Rana founded “Parvati Education & Health Society” (PEHS) in the year 2005. Through this society, he successfully established a medical Kiosk-cum-Telemedicine Center in 2007 at his native Village, Dasmal, District Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh in much appreciated collaboration with Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, Department of Science & Technology, Indian Space Research Organization and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India and Government of Himachal Pradesh. It is India’s 1st rural standalone Hemodialysis Unit providing service to the patients of remote hilly regions at a very nominal cost since June 2009. Prior to this, the patients would travel for nearly 7 hours to nearest towns in Punjab & Chandigarh. Under PEHS, a 30-bedded charitable hospital (Parvati Hospital) is is currently being established. Needless to say, Dr Rana is focused as ever towards his vision for Rural Healthcare and is working out various possibilities so that one day people of rural areas will have access to medical and surgical experts of tertiary care hospitals of India & abroad.
Personnel Profile
editDr. Rana believes in hard work, righteous path, commitment and focused approach. He is well known amongst his friends for simplicity and genuine human qualities. He heavily attributes his success to the blessings of his parents, guidance of his teachers, who held his hands at various stages and became his role model, best wishes of his friends and people whom he serve and above all the Grace of God.
Lady behind the Doctor
editDr. Rana got married to Mrs Anita, like him a daughter to an Army Officer in 1979. Just like her name, Mrs Anita is radiant as a flower and it would be fair to call her the fragrance in Dr Rana’s life. Gladly accepting the intense involvement of his profession, she has always been acknowledged and appreciated as the strongest pillar standing by him. While highly creative and special penchant in gardening, she has been actively involved in aesthetic chores throughout her life. Whether it be nurturing the children and garden at home or to her present personal mission to transform Sir Ganga Ram Hospital’s garden into one of the best in the city. At times, she can come across even busier than her better half. But it all runs in the family. And it runs quite well.
Message
editWork with passion and compassion and with motto, “Love all, Serve all, Help ever, Hurt never".