(She has completed her MBBS and MD in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from AIIMS New Delhi, she was conferred the Padma Shri in 2025 and has been working in the field of cervical cancer prevention for the past 3 decades.)
MD, FRCOG(Hon.), FICOG, FAMS, FNASC, FNA - Former HOD AIIMS, New Delhi. Padma Shri awardee 2025, Gynae Oncologist, Laparoscopic Surgeon and OBGYN
Neerja Bhatla is an Indian gynecologist and obstetrician. She was conferred the Padma Shri in 2025, one of India’s highest civilian honours, in recognition of her contributions to women's healthcare. She became the first Indian to serve as president of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) and led the 2018 revision of FIGO’s staging guidelines for cervical cancer.
Dr. Bhatla has worked extensively for over three decades in the field of cervical cancer prevention, particularly focusing on low-resource settings. After completing her MBBS and post-graduation in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, she joined the faculty at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. She also served as the Head of Gynaecologic Oncology at the National Cancer Institute in Jhajjar under AIIMS.
Her scholarly work includes significant contributions to peer-reviewed journals, particularly in gynecologic oncology and public health. She was a lead author in research on cervical cancer prevention strategies in India.
Professor & Head, Obst & Gynaec & WHO CCR, AIIMS N.Delhi. Head, Gynae Oncology NCI, Jhajjar, AIIMS. Shobha Seth Wenger Distinguished Prof. Gynae Oncology, AIIMS, 2021-23. Tirelessly working for the last 35 years to eliminate cervical cancer. First woman doctor from India to grace as Chairperson FIGO Gyn Oncology Committee. Led the revision of FIGO staging of cervical cancer. Member of advisory groups on issues related to Women’s Cancers & maternal health (NTAGI, WHO, MOHFW, ICMR, DBT). Path Breaking researcher with > 500 publications; Developed several biomedical devices to promote the training of health workers, screening & treatment of cervical cancer in remote areas. Working to bring low-cost Indian HPV vaccine to reduce the cost of HPV vaccine for Indian girls and to develop low-cost indigenous HPV tests to promote screening. Promoted Gynae cancer education by starting fellowship programs across India, M.Ch at AIIMS & virtual course for Gynaecologists.
Screened & treated > 50,000 women and organized events, camps & activities to enhance awareness and participation: Conducted health awareness and cancer detection camps for underprivileged sections of society. Camps were conducted at Bindapur Resettlement Colony, Janak Puri, Govindpuri every year in collaboration with the Rotary club. Periodic Cancer detection and prevention camps at AIIMS for employees – April 1989 onwards. Organized Annual Cervical Cancer Screening Camps at Ballabhgarh, NCI Jhajjar. National Coordinator, FOGSI Breast and Cervical Screening. Camps were organized for paramilitary forces by 225 member societies FOGSI countrywide on International Women’s Day 2020.
Medical Camps were conducted at Ladakh in collaboration with National Commission for Scheduled Tribes in 2007. Introduced concept of FOGSI National Cervical and Breast Cancer Awareness Week, March 4-11 since 2016 – subsequently converted into a national movement. Organized Cancer Screening Camp at AIIMS, yearly since 2008. Organized Cervical Cancer Screening Camps in collaboration with AOGIN-India and CanSupport: in various resettlement areas and urban slums of Delhi. Screened >10,000 women & treated positive. The camps were conducted across Delhi and NCR region. Organized Globathon – Walk for Gynae Cancer (with AGOI); Walk for Life – Stride against Cancer (with CanSupport). Facilitated MOU of AOGIN-India with Kalyanmayee, the CSR wing of Airports Authority of India. >100 camps were conducted in 12 cities for three years.
Awards and recognition
She has received multiple recognitions for her clinical and academic contributions, including:
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