Prof. O.P. Ghai: The Visionary Who Shaped Pediatric Medicine in India

Professor Om Prakash Ghai, better known as Prof. O.P. Ghai (1928-2008), was a veteran of child health in India who played a key role in shaping pediatric care and education across the country. Renowned for his leadership at AIIMS and his lasting influence on generations of doctors, he remains one of the most respected figures in Indian pediatrics.

Born on 14th April 1928, Om Prakash Ghai began his medical journey at the Government Lahore Medical College. However, during the Partition, he shifted to the Government Medical College, Amritsar, to complete his MBBS.

He continued to build his expertise by earning a Diploma in Child Health from Bombay University, Mumbai, Maharashtra, in 1953, followed by an MD in Pediatrics from Medical College, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, in 1958, where the legendary Professor J.M. Pohowala mentored him. His training was enhanced by advanced pediatric studies at the Children’s Medical Center, Harvard University, supported by a Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship.

Before establishing the Department of Pediatrics at AIIMS, Dr. Ghai gained experience working as a registrar in pediatrics at Irwin Hospital (now known as Lok Nayak Hospital in New Delhi). On 12th January 1959, he established the Pediatrics Department at AIIMS with just six beds for children.

Professor Ghai went on to lead the Department of Pediatrics at AIIMS for 25 years, from 1962 to 1989. Under his leadership, the department developed into a multi-specialty institution with an international reputation. Known for his widely respected clinical skills, he rose through the ranks and eventually became Dean of AIIMS before retiring in 1988.

After his retirement, he chaired the Department of Pediatrics at the University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, where he continued to mentor and teach students until 1991—further extending his influence in pediatric education.

Professor Ghai was a dedicated researcher, especially known for his work on childhood diarrhea, micronutrient deficiencies, and Indian childhood cirrhosis. He had strong academic writing skills and served as Editor of Indian Pediatrics from 1973 to 1975. He also authored the widely used textbook Essential Pediatrics, a trusted resource for MBBS and nursing students in India and beyond.

During his time as editor, Dr. Ghai often emphasized the evolving role of medical journals. As noted by Dr. Arvind Bagga in a retrospective piece on Indian Pediatrics:

“He always asserted that a medical journal is not only a repository of articles for archives, but is also a living medium for the communication of information of practical use to the readers. The journal of a professional society reflects the image of the organization through the quality of scientific contributions by the members.”

He urged upcoming authors to strive for improved standards and excellence, setting a benchmark that helped Indian Pediatrics grow into one of the highest-ranking regional journals over time.

In addition, Dr. Ghai served on the Editorial Advisory Boards of several national and international journals.

Apart from his contributions to research and publishing, Professor Ghai held key leadership positions and collaborated with several national and international organizations:

• Worked as a short-term consultant for the World Health Organization and the Asian Development Bank, contributing to child health programs globally.

• Member of the Technical Advisory Group for WHO’s Control of Diarrheal Diseases Program (1987–1989).

• Organized the first International Conference of Pediatrics in India (1977).

• Served as National President of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (1978).

• President of the International College of Pediatrics (1987–1990).

• Member of the National Children’s Board and various expert committees of the Government of India, UNICEF, and the Indian Council of Child Welfare.

Professor Ghai was the recipient of several prestigious awards and fellowships in recognition of his contributions to pediatrics and medical education:

• Fellow of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics

• Fellow of the International College of Pediatrics

• Fellow of the National Academy of Medical Sciences, India

• Insignia of Merit Medallion from the International Pediatric Association (1977)

• Dr. Kamala Menon Prize for Research in Diarrhea Disease (1983)

• Amrut Modi Prize (1985)

• Dr. B. C. Roy Memorial Award for Eminent Medical Teacher, awarded by the Medical Council of India (1987)

As a teacher and role model, Professor Ghai inspired an entire generation of pediatricians across India. Many of his students went on to hold top positions in medicine, academia, and government. Known for his informal, friendly, and participative style, he encouraged fresh ideas and thoughtful discussions in a relaxed yet effective way. His gentle leadership and the strength of his ideas earned him deep respect from colleagues and students alike.

One of his former students, Dr. Pavitra Mohan (MD, MPH, and co-founder of Basic Healthcare Services), who studied under him at UCMS, shared a moving tribute on Teacher’s Day:

“Could you imagine a senior professor carrying a suction machine himself for repair?” he wrote, recalling how a child had died during night duty due to a faulty suction machine, leaving him deeply frustrated. The next morning, Professor Ghai quietly picked up the machine and walked with him to the hospital workshop to get it fixed. “Be a solution, is what was imprinted on my young mind that day.”

Dr. Mohan also recounted receiving a one-day internship extension for leaving his post unattended:

“I was a hard-working intern otherwise… but this slip got Dr. Ghai to send me a notice… Discipline, always, was what this act told me.”

These reflections, decades later, continue to echo the values that Professor Ghai quietly upheld throughout his life.

A true visionary, Professor Ghai’s work has left a lasting mark on pediatrics and child health in the country. His legacy continues to guide medical education and care for children across India.

Professor Ghai passed away on 24th May 2008 at the age of 80, after suffering a stroke a few days earlier.

Celebrated as a remarkable teacher and leader, his contributions are firmly embedded in the story of Indian pediatrics.

References:

1. Pavitra Mohan, “Remembering Professor OP Ghai on Teachers’ Day,” LinkedIn News, July 5, 2020, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/remembering-professor-op-ghai-teachers-day-pavitra-mohan.

2. Arvind Bagga, “The Journal Grows: Dr. OP Ghai as Editor from 1973–75,” Indian Pediatrics 50, no. 4 (April 16, 2013): 367–68, https://www.indianpediatrics.net/apr2013/367.pdf.

3. O. P. Ghai, Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 8th ed. (New Delhi: CBS Publishers & Distributors, 2014), ISBN 978‑8123923345.

4. “Obituary: Prof O.P. Ghai, Past National President of IAP, and Former Dean, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.” Indian Journal of Pediatrics 75 (September 2008): 889. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-008-0204-5.

_MSM/SE