Dr Mary Poonen Lukose was the first Malayali woman to become a doctor and the first woman in the world to become Surgeon General.
Published Sep 24, 2024 | 8:00 AM ⚊ Updated Sep 24, 2024 | 6:40 PM
Dr Mary Poonen Lukose, world's first woman Surgeon General
100 years ago, on 23 September 1924, the erstwhile princely state of Travancore made history for breaking social barriers by placing a woman in a position of legislative power for the first time.
The then Regent queen, Sethu Lakshmi Bayi nominated Dr. Mary Poonen Lukose to the Travancore Legislative Council (TLC), making her the first woman legislator in India. Interestingly, that wasn’t Mary’s first accomplishment, as she was a trailblazer in multiple other areas making her legacy nothing short of remarkable.
Dr Mary Poonen’s legacy is remarkable with several firsts, particularly for a woman in her time. She holds the distinction of being the first Malayali woman to graduate, the first Indian woman to study at London University, and the world’s first woman to become Surgeon General. As Kerala’s first Chief Medical Officer, Dr Mary’s impact on the state’s healthcare is profound.
Dr Mary Poonen Lukose was the first Malayali woman to ever become a doctor
An obstetrician and gynaecologist by profession, she was instrumental in transforming the Women and Children’s Hospital at Thycaud in Thiruvananthapuram into a modern medical facility, offering comprehensive care across various medical disciplines. Her initiatives in developing a network of midwives and delivering Kerala’s first C-section baby cemented her reputation as a pioneer in maternal and child care.
Beyond her medical contributions, Dr Mary was known for her boldness and strict punctuality, embodying leadership qualities that inspired generations. Her efforts laid the foundation for a modern healthcare system in Travancore, shaping both the political and medical landscape of Kerala.
Her story is a testament to what someone with vision and determination can accomplish, and her legacy continues to inspire women in medicine and public service even today.
Talking to South First, Dr Mareena Varghese, the grandniece of the legendary Dr Mary, reflected on her grandaunt’s remarkable legacy, emphasising her deep commitment to serving underprivileged women.
Dr Mareena Varghese speaks about her grandaunt
“Dr Mamma,” as Dr Mareena affectionately calls her grandaunt, “was a true trailblazer, an inspiration not just during her time but for generations to come. I was only four when I met her, but even at that age, I remember her warmth. I didn’t realise then who she really was. It was only through stories from my parents — who were also doctors — that I began to understand her extraordinary impact.”
Dr Mareena vividly recalls the amusement she felt hearing her parents recount Dr Mary’s feats. “The stories of her courage and skill left me speechless,” she said. “In an era without advanced medical equipment or facilities, she performed incredibly complex deliveries, saving both mothers and babies.
As an obstetrician and gynaecologist myself, it’s mind-blowing to imagine someone achieving that level of care back then. She was truly ahead of her time.”
Dr Mareena with Dr Mary Poonen Lukose
When asked if her grandaunt influenced her career choice, Dr Mareena didn’t hesitate. “Absolutely. But what truly inspired me was her dedication to building deep, meaningful relationships with her patients. My parents would tell me how she never hesitated to help those in need—whether paying for their tests or providing medicine from her own pocket. That kind of compassion left a lasting mark on me.”
Dr Mary Poonen Lukose’s journey into medicine was deeply inspired by her father, Dr TE Poonen, Kerala’s first medical graduate who earned his MBBS from Aberdeen University, UK.
A renowned civil surgeon, Dr Poonen dedicated much of his career to training midwives and bringing English-trained nurses to the Silver Jubilee Hospital for Women and Children in Quilon, where he worked.
Growing up in such an environment, young Mary developed a fascination for medicine early on. Even though her initial path led her to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA), her passion for medicine never waned.
Her father’s words about the privileges she had in life, and the importance of serving “young sisters” less fortunate than herself, resonated deeply with Mary. Recognising her keen desire to follow in his footsteps, Dr Poonen made arrangements for Mary to continue her medical studies in Edinburgh.
In 1909, Mary embarked on a life-changing voyage to England, sailing from Colombo. She gained admission to the London Medical School for Women. Exempt from the entrance exam due to her prior degree, she spent a year studying science and mastering Latin.
After completing her medical studies, she worked at the prestigious Queen Charlotte Hospital and later at Rotunda Hospital in Dublin, where she trained in midwifery under the renowned Dr. Johnson, author of a celebrated textbook on the subject – Midwifery.
A letter written by Mary Poonen Lukose
At Rotunda, Mary not only gained experience in midwifery but also had the rare privilege of assisting surgeons in operative procedures.
As Mary prepared to return to India, news of her father’s grave illness reached her. Sadly, he passed away before she could reunite with him. Her return journey was marked by the tense atmosphere of World War I, as she traveled home on a camouflaged ship amidst the chaos of war.
Upon returning to India, she was posted as senior surgeon in Trivandrum Hospital for Women and Children.
Going by legislative records, her elevation came all of a sudden.
In the words of Dr Mary, “I have been suddenly called upon to fill an office of great responsibility and there is no gain saying the fact that I must attempt it with very great fear and diffidence, especially when I think of the fact that till two days ago, the place was filled by one of the ablest and most experienced officers of the state.”
Gazette announcing Dr Mary’s appointment to the TLC
The officer that was she was referring to was Dewan Bahadur Dr PN Lakshmanan, Durbar Physician, who had to leave the office due to some personal emergency.
Though Dr Mary got appointed as the Durbar Physician, meaning head of the medical department, and as a member of the TLC on 23 September 1924, her address to the Council came two days later on 25 September.
She had to address the Council when the discussion on demands for grants for Medical Department in connection with the ‘Financial Statement of 1100’ (1100 Malayalam year of 1924) was taken up by TLC on 25 September.
TLC Members T Kumara Pillai, A Hoogewerf, TK Velu Pillai and J John Nidiry who made statements during the discussion on demands for grants congratulated Dr Mary for her achievement.
In Hoogewerf’s words, “The appointment of a woman as the head of the Medical Department is quite in keeping with the present social and literary status of Travancore. We stand first in the whole of India in the matter of female education.”
Dr Mary, thanking the members for their cordial reception, said, “When I entered this House I came with a feeling very similar to that which I experienced about seventeen years ago when I entered His Highness, the Maha Raja’s College for Boys, as the first lady student. It was with that same nervousness and diffidence that I entered this House yesterday.”
Documentary on Dr Mary Poonen Lukose
In another part of her address, she stated, “I have been called upon in this session to answer questions relating to a department in which I have not had a vast experience. All I can promise this House is that I will try my best to do my duty honestly and to the best of my ability during the short period granted to me.”
The rest is history.
In a tribute to her remarkable achievements and lasting contributions, the Kerala Legislative Assembly is set to release a documentary titled “Dr. Mary Poonen Lukose: The Hand That Conceived History.”
This prestigious event will take place during the upcoming Assembly session, which begins on 4 October. The documentary is expected to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Mary Poonen Lukose, a pioneering force in Kerala’s health sector, whose visionary leadership continues to inspire generations.
(Edited by Neena)
