(Photo and text courtesy of Shehla Hussain MD)
Prof. Dr. Mir Abdul Basir, M.B.B.S., PhD (London) was the Prof. of Physiology at the Dow Medical College, Karachi, from 1948 to 1951. He then moved to Liaquat Medical College as its founder Principal – cum – Prof. of Physiology where he served until his retirement in 1953.Before migrating to Pakistan in 1948, Dr. Basir was the Prof. of Physiology at Madras Medical College in India. He had done his M.B.B.S. from the same Medical College in 1925 prior to joining the Indian Medical Service. He was also posted to Miranshah and other border posts in the NWFP.In 1928, he received a scholarship to pursue a PhD in Physiology at the King’s College in London. After completing his PhD, he returned to India.Prof. Basir was a dedicated scholar and devoted his time to research and teaching. His publications include:
1. “The Vascular Supply of the Pituitary body in the Dog” by M.A. Basir, published in the Journal of Anatomy, London.
2. “Note on the Histology of Lymph nodes in Echinda” by M.A. Basir, published in the Journal of Anatomy, London.
3. “Structure and Significance of the Hypophysioportal System” by M.A.Basir and D.V.S.Reddy, published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research.
4. “A Study of Human Parotid Saliva” by M.A.Basir and T.S. Ramabhadra, published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research.
Lt. Col. S. L. Bhatia, Professor of Physiology and the Dean of Grant Medical College, Bombay, in his article, “History of Physiology in India” published in “Progress of Science” has mentioned the research and findings of Prof. Basir stating that Prof. Basir “has studied the pressure required to open up the ellipsoids in spleen when fluid is injected from the splenic vein and the effects of acetylcholine and adrenaline on the back-pressure”.
Prof. Basir suffered a stroke and died in Karachi in 1953. May his soul rest in Eternal Peace.
Here is a piece of history: a cutting from DAWN newspaper of 1950 when Prof, Basir had a reception for his daughter’s marriage.
The piece is courtesy of his grand daughter Dr. Shehla Hussain, Dow graduate of 1985.
