Queen of Hills Mourns Darjeeling Doctor Dr. Naushad Siddique, a Lifelong Healer
Darjeeling’s medical fraternity and civic community are mourning the sudden passing of Dr. Naushad Siddique, a widely respected physician known across the hills as Dr. Bob. He passed away on Thursday, January 15, at around 10:50 a.m., leaving behind a legacy of decades-long service to public health and municipal healthcare systems in the Darjeeling hills. His death has been described by colleagues and residents as a deep personal and professional loss for the region.
Dr. Siddique was not only a practicing Darjeeling doctor but also a public servant who worked at the intersection of clinical care and local governance. Over the years, he became a familiar and trusted presence for thousands of patients, many of whom relied on him not just for treatment but also for guidance during medical emergencies.
A Life Dedicated to Healthcare in the Hills
Dr. Siddique was the owner and chief physician of Mariam Nursing Home, located on NB Singh Road, one of Darjeeling’s busiest and most accessible areas. The nursing home has long served as an important healthcare facility for residents of Darjeeling town and surrounding hill areas, particularly for families seeking dependable and immediate medical attention.
In addition to his private practice, Dr. Siddique held key public roles. He served as the Medical Officer of Darjeeling Municipality, where he was involved in overseeing municipal health services, sanitation-related health concerns, and coordination during public health initiatives. He also functioned as the Nodal Officer for Health under the State Urban Development Agency, a position that placed him at the center of urban health planning and implementation in the hills.
Officials who worked alongside him described him as a doctor who understood the unique challenges of healthcare delivery in mountainous regions, including difficult terrain, weather-related disruptions, and limited resources.
Commitment Until the Very End
What has particularly resonated with the public is the account that Dr. Siddique remained engaged in patient care even during his final hours. Colleagues say this reflected his lifelong work ethic and sense of responsibility toward the people he served.
“Dr. Siddique believed that being a doctor was not just a profession but a duty,” said a senior municipal health official, recalling their years of association. “He never hesitated to step in when patients needed him, regardless of time or personal inconvenience.”
Such dedication earned him respect not only from patients but also from nurses, junior doctors, and municipal staff who frequently turned to him for advice and support.
A Widely Respected Public Figure
Beyond clinics and offices, Dr. Siddique was a familiar figure in civic discussions related to health infrastructure, disease prevention, and community welfare. He was often consulted during periods of heightened health concern, including seasonal illnesses and urban sanitation challenges.
Residents across Darjeeling describe him as approachable and calm, qualities that are particularly valued in a hill town where access to advanced medical facilities often requires travel to plains. For many families, Dr. Siddique represented reassurance in moments of uncertainty.
Community leaders noted that his passing creates a void that will be difficult to fill, especially given his dual role as a clinician and administrator.
Family and Community in Mourning
Dr. Siddique is survived by his family, including his elder brother, Abu Nasar Siddique, who confirmed the details of the funeral arrangements. Family members expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and prayers received from across the hills and beyond.
A relative, speaking on behalf of the family, said that Dr. Siddique’s life was guided by faith, compassion, and service. Quoting from Islamic scripture, the family emphasized acceptance and remembrance, while acknowledging the pain of the loss.
Funeral Arrangements Announced
According to the family, famous Darjeeling Doctor Dr. Siddique’s final journey will take place on Friday, January 16. The funeral procession will begin from his residence, Mariam Cottage, at 12:00 p.m. and proceed to the Darjeeling Jama Masjid. Following Friday prayers, the body will be taken to the Darjeeling Muslim Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest at approximately 2:00 p.m.
Local residents, patients, and colleagues are expected to attend in large numbers to pay their final respects.
An Irreplaceable Loss for Darjeeling
Healthcare experts point out that the loss of an experienced physician like Dr. Siddique is particularly significant for hill regions, where continuity of care and institutional memory play a vital role in managing public health systems.
While new doctors and administrators will continue the work, many believe that Dr. Siddique’s combination of clinical expertise, administrative experience, and deep local understanding will be difficult to replicate.
As people bids farewell to Darjeeling doctor Dr. Naushad Siddique, the hills remember not just a doctor, but a dedicated public servant whose life’s work touched countless families. His legacy is likely to endure through the institutions he strengthened, the professionals he mentored, and the patients whose lives he quietly improved over decades of service.
