Life & Legacy

Early Life and Education

Dr. Nekibuz Zaman was born on 31 December 1929 in Morigaon, Assam, to Dr. Bokrub and Areban Nessa. His family later settled in Jorhat, where he completed his early education. He studied at Jorhat Muktab Adarsha Primary School and passed the matriculation examination from Jorhat Government High School in 1945 with distinction. He continued his higher studies at Cotton College, securing first position in the Intermediate Science examination with Biology in 1947.

His academic brilliance continued at Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh, where he graduated with an MBBS degree in 1952, standing first in the university. He belonged to the pioneer batch of Assam Medical College and was recognized as its best graduate. Seeking advanced surgical training, he travelled to the United Kingdom and obtained the prestigious Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) from both London and Edinburgh in 1957.

Medical Career

Dr. Nekibuz Zaman began his professional career as Registrar in the Department of Surgery at Assam Medical College. After completing his higher surgical education abroad, he returned to Assam and served as Assistant Professor, Professor of Surgery, Principal of Silchar Medical College, Principal of Assam Medical College, and later Director of Medical Education, Assam.

Throughout his career, he played a major role in modernizing medical education and hospital infrastructure in the state. Under his leadership, the Department of Surgery at Assam Medical College was strengthened into a postgraduate teaching department. He also contributed significantly to the rapid development of Silchar Medical College, helping it achieve national standards within a short period.

Dr. Zaman introduced several advanced healthcare facilities in Assam, including the establishment of a Tumour Registry under the Cancer Control Programme, a Radio Immuno Assay Centre in collaboration with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, and a Dialysis Centre that greatly benefited patients suffering from kidney diseases. He also supported the establishment of a Pharmacy Institute in Guwahati to strengthen pharmaceutical education in the region.

Academic Leadership and Professional Positions

Apart from being an outstanding surgeon, Dr. Nekibuz Zaman was widely respected as an administrator and mentor. His leadership helped improve medical teaching, research, and patient care across Assam.

Major positions held include:

Registrar, Department of Surgery, Assam Medical College

Assistant Professor of Surgery, Assam Medical College

Professor of Surgery, Assam Medical College

Principal, Silchar Medical College

Principal, Assam Medical College

Director of Medical Education, Government of Assam

Member, Institute Body of AIIMS, New Delhi

Member, Governing Body of AIIMS, New Delhi

Professional Fellowships and Achievements

Dr. Nekibuz Zaman earned several prestigious national and international fellowships throughout his distinguished career.

Notable fellowships include:

Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS), London

Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS), Edinburgh

Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)

Fellow of the National Academy of Medical Sciences, India

Founding Fellow of the International Academy of Medical Sciences

Founding Fellow of the Indian Academy of Medical Specialists

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Nekibuz Zaman received numerous honours for his exceptional contribution to medicine and public healthcare.

Awards and recognitions include:

Padma Shri, Government of India (1983)

Recognition as the best graduate of the pioneer batch of Assam Medical College

National and international recognition for excellence in surgery, medical education, and healthcare administration

Books Written

No major published books are widely documented under Dr. Nekibuz Zaman's name. His legacy is primarily reflected through his medical research, academic contributions, institutional development, and leadership in healthcare.

Death

Dr. Nekibuz Zaman passed away on 8 January 1996. His contributions continue to inspire generations of doctors, surgeons, and medical students across Assam and India. His efforts in strengthening medical education, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and introducing modern medical facilities remain an important chapter in the history of Assam's healthcare system.

FAQs about Dr. Nekibuz Zaman

1. Who was Dr. Nekibuz Zaman?

Dr. Nekibuz Zaman was a renowned surgeon, medical educator, and healthcare administrator from Assam who received the Padma Shri in 1983 for his outstanding contribution to medicine.

2. Why is Dr. Nekibuz Zaman famous?

He is known for modernizing surgical education, strengthening Assam Medical College, and improving healthcare infrastructure across Assam.

3. When was Dr. Nekibuz Zaman born?

He was born on 31 December 1929 in Morigaon, Assam.

4. Which award did Dr. Nekibuz Zaman receive?

He was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1983.

5. Where did Dr. Nekibuz Zaman study medicine?

He completed his MBBS from Assam Medical College and later earned FRCS qualifications from London and Edinburgh.

6. What positions did Dr. Nekibuz Zaman hold?

He served as Professor of Surgery, Principal of Silchar Medical College, Principal of Assam Medical College, and Director of Medical Education, Assam.

7. What were Dr. Nekibuz Zaman's major contributions?

His contributions include developing postgraduate surgical education, establishing dialysis and cancer-related facilities, strengthening medical institutions, and promoting medical research.

8. Was Dr. Nekibuz Zaman associated with AIIMS?

Yes. He served as a member of both the Institute Body and the Governing Body of AIIMS, New Delhi.

9. When did Dr. Nekibuz Zaman pass away?

He passed away on 8 January 1996.

10. Why is Dr. Nekibuz Zaman remembered today?

He is remembered as one of Assam's finest surgeons and medical administrators whose contributions significantly advanced healthcare, medical education, and surgical services in Northeast India.