Dr. Hema Divakar
Dr. Hema Divakar, MD, FRCOG
Senior Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist | Global Advocate for Women's Health | 30 Years of Experience
Dr. Hema Divakar is a visionary leader and dynamic force in the field of women’s healthcare, with over Three decades of unparalleled expertise and contributions. As one of India’s foremost authorities on obstetrics and gynecology, she has been instrumental in shaping healthcare policies and practices that directly impact the lives of millions of women. Dr. Divakar is not only a respected clinician but also a passionate advocate for social and legal reforms concerning women’s health. Her work has set new benchmarks, transformed healthcare ecosystems, and continues to uplift the well-being of women across the globe.
At the helm of Divakar’s Speciality Hospital in Bangalore, Dr. Divakar has built an institution of excellence that delivers women’s healthcare to world-class standards. Her relentless drive to push the boundaries of medicine and her unwavering commitment to community welfare define her as a dynamic and forward-thinking leader. A go-getter in every sense, she leads from the front, advocating for women’s rights and healthcare access at local, national, and international levels. Currently, she serves as an Ambassador for India’s National Professional Organization of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, representing the country at prestigious global forums.
Key Achievements
- Led a decade-long outreach initiative providing health services, including anemia detection, menstrual hygiene education, and treatment for over 50,000 girls annually.
- Spearheaded community service collaborations with the State Government and Karuna Trust, enhancing access to healthcare in rural India through Primary Health Care Centers.
- Played a pivotal role in the management of anemia during pregnancy, conducting operational research on the use of intravenous iron sucrose.
- Pioneered innovative strategies for postpartum depression diagnosis, introducing a novel scoring system tailored for Indian women.
- Partnered with Columbia University for community-based pre-eclampsia care and IIM to explore the impact of Mid-Day Meals on student performance.
- Directed the successful launch of a Fellowship Course in Ultrasonology and Perinatology under the Indian College of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
- Launched and executed specialized Gestational Diabetes care programs to address the growing need for diabetes management in pregnancy.
Success Overview
- National Technical Expert for Emergency Obstetric Care Programs, guiding best practices across the country.
- Director of Standards and Quality Control, ensuring top-tier care across health institutions.
- Recognized Technical Expert on the Hospital Accreditation Committee, setting new standards for women’s healthcare.
- Training and Technical Lead for skilled birth attendants, ensuring safe and skilled maternity care across India.
- A leading force behind Emergency Obstetric Care Skill Drills, helping mothers survive through global partnerships like JHPIEGO.
- Established public-private partnerships to manage Primary Health Centers (PHC) and First Reference Units (FRU) for maternal care in Karnataka, revolutionizing access to care in underserved areas.
- Co-Chair of the FIGO GDM Working Group, driving global policy on gestational diabetes management.
Awards & Recognitions
- Honored with the prestigious FIGO Women Achievers Award (2015) for her monumental contributions to gynecology and obstetrics on an international stage.
- Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from DIPSI, the Karnataka State Gynecologists Association, and the Bangalore ObGyn Society, cementing her legacy as a leader in women’s health.
- Conferred the Fellowship of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (FRCOG), London, in recognition of her outstanding service.
- Awarded the Global Award for Music Therapy and Medscape India Award for her dedication to improving women’s health and community welfare.
- Honored with the Social Entrepreneurship Award by USAIDS and MSD for MOTHERS, recognizing her leadership in advancing maternal health services.
- Celebrated with the ICONS of Healthcare Award at Singapore for her trailblazing efforts in establishing one of India’s leading women’s healthcare hospitals.