By Rahim Abdul
Blantyre and Lilongwe are set to host a rare and moving account of life inside Gaza’s hospitals, as British neurosurgeon Dr. Ismail Ughratdar shares his first-hand experiences from the frontline of one of the world’s most challenging conflict zones.
Titled “Inside Gaza’s Hospitals: A Surgeon’s Reflections,” the presentations will offer Malawians an intimate glimpse into the realities faced by medical professionals and patients amid relentless conflict. Dr. Ughratdar will recount performing critical surgeries with scarce resources, witnessing families devastated by violence, and encountering the courage of children and adults who continue to survive under harrowing conditions.

The Blantyre session will take place on 26th August at Amaryllis Hotel, followed by Lilongwe on 27th August at Crossroads, with both sessions starting at 8:00 PM. Organizers have ensured separate seating for ladies to create a comfortable environment for all attendees.
Asabuni Phiri, National Coordinator for the Malawi Palestine Solidarity Movement, highlighted that the events, sponsored by Ashraful Aid, the Malawi Palestine Solidarity Movement, and Midland International Aid Trust (UK), offer a rare opportunity to move beyond media headlines and engage directly with someone who has witnessed the human toll of war up close.
Dr. Ughratdar will also shine a light on the resilience of Gaza’s medical teams and their patients stories of determination, compassion, and hope that persist even in the bleakest moments. Attendees will have the chance to interact with him during a Q&A session, exploring the complexities of medical care in crisis zones and the broader humanitarian challenges faced in conflict-affected regions.
This presentation is more than an account of suffering; it is a testament to human resilience and a call for empathy, inviting Malawians to reflect on the power of compassion and the critical role of humanitarian aid in the world’s most desperate situations.