Born: 1886 (Aymanam, British India)
Biography:
Mary Poonen Lukose was an Indian gynecologist, obstetrician, and pioneer in the field of women’s health in India. She is best known for being the first female Surgeon General in India and for her contributions to tuberculosis treatment and radiology. Throughout her career, she made significant advancements in healthcare and served as a role model for women in medicine.
Mary Lukose, born Mary Poonen, was born on August 2, 1886, in Aymanam, a small village in the princely state of Travancore in British India. She was the only child of T. E. Poonen, a renowned medical doctor and the Royal Physician of Travancore. Growing up in a wealthy Anglican Syrian Christian family, Mary received a privileged upbringing and was cared for by British governesses due to her mother’s health issues.
Mary excelled academically and completed her schooling at Holy Angel’s Convent High School in Thiruvananthapuram. Despite her academic achievements, she faced discrimination when she was denied admission to study science subjects at the Maharajas College in Thiruvananthapuram because of her gender. Undeterred, she pursued studies in history and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1909. Notably, she became the first woman graduate of Madras University, to which Maharajas College was affiliated.
Determined to pursue her passion for medicine, Mary traveled to London and obtained her medical degree (MBBS) from the London University. Her accomplishment made her the first woman from what would later become the state of Kerala to graduate in medicine. She further specialized in gynecology and obstetrics, earning the Membership of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (MRCOG) from Rotunda Hospital in Dublin. Mary also underwent advanced training in pediatrics at the prestigious Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.
While in the UK, Mary also pursued her love for music and successfully completed the London Music Examination. However, her dedication to medicine led her back to India in 1916, following the death of her father. She took up a position as an obstetrician at the Women and Children Hospital in Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram. In addition to her role as a physician, she also served as the superintendent of the hospital, replacing a westerner who had returned to her native country after marriage.
In 1917, Mary married Kunnukuzhiyil Kurivilla Lukose, a lawyer who would later become a judge of the High Court of Travancore. During her tenure at Thycaud Hospital, Mary initiated a midwifery training program for the children of local midwives, fostering their support and improving the quality of care provided to women in childbirth. It is also worth noting that Mary gave birth to her first child at the Thycaud Hospital, highlighting her commitment to providing safe and quality obstetric care.
Mary’s dedication to public health and her expertise in the field led her to various roles of leadership and influence. She became the founder of a Tuberculosis Sanatorium in Nagarcoil and played a crucial role in tuberculosis treatment and prevention. Additionally, she established the X-Ray and Radium Institute in Thiruvananthapuram, which served as a pioneer in radiology in India.
Mary Lukose’s contributions to healthcare extended beyond her clinical practice. She served as the head of the Health Department in the Princely State of Travancore and became the first woman legislator in the state. Her groundbreaking achievements in medicine and public service broke barriers for women and paved the way for future generations of female healthcare professionals in India.
In recognition of her remarkable contributions to healthcare and women’s empowerment, the Government of India honored Mary Lukose with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, in 1975. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence women in the medical profession and serves as a reminder of the important role women have played in shaping the history of healthcare in India.
Awards:
– Padma Shri (Government of India, 1975)