A Pioneer Of Good Health

One of the country’s top urologists, Jacky Lalmalani speaks to Tina Thakrar about the power to keep health and spirits thriving.

Urologist, activist, lecturer and teacher, Jai Krishan Lalmalani is almost always referred to as Dr. Jacky Lalmalani. The name is evidence of the easy, open relationship he shares with everyone from his patients to his close friends, making him one of most competent and trusted urologists in the country.

Born in Jakarta to migrant parents from Sindh, Pakistan, who shifted base there almost 70 years ago, Jacky is one of six siblings, all of whom are now highly accomplished in the fields of medicine and business. An expert in endo-urology and lithotripsy, general urology, renal transplantation and andrology, he set up the first-ever day care endo-urology clinic in the country, located in Tardeo, Mumbai. What’s unique about this is that he has the opportunity to perform surgeries on his patients during the day, and discharge them that same evening, without the need of post-op admission. An endless list of patients, both local and international, rich and poor alike, have benefitted from Jacky’s brilliant surgical skills.

Currently the president of the Mumbai Urological Society, Jacky first gained interest in medicine when he watched his older brother ace all his exams in Jakarta and go to Mumbai to fulfill his dreams of becoming a doctor. An excellent student himself, he began to seek opportunities to study and practice in Jakarta, but found the facilities for medicine underdeveloped at that time.

“I happened to watch a few patriotic Manoj Kumar movies, and it made me want to come back to my country and serve its people. I wanted to be able to speak my mind and practice freely; I could do that in India, my country; and I could grow and develop, and serve my nation!” We’ve all heard of Bollywood inspiring young artistes, but doctors as well? That’s a first!