The Malaysian obstetrics and gynaecology community recently celebrated a moment of pride when Prof Dr J. Ravichandran R. Jeganathan (Dr J. Ravi) was conferred a distinguished honour at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), United Kingdom, following nomination by Datuk Prof Dr J. Ravindran Jegasothy and Professor Sir Sabaratnam Arulkumaran, globally respected leaders in women’s health.
“It was indeed a proud moment as the citation recognising his achievements was read by none other than Professor Sir Sabaratnam Arulkumaran, former president of the RCOG and a towering figure in international obstetrics and gynaecology.”
According to a statement, few recognitions in global obstetrics and gynaecology carry the prestige of the Honorary Fellowship Honoris Causa of the RCOG, UK, reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to women’s healthcare; the award celebrates leadership, dedication and impact that extend far beyond national borders.
The Fellowship Honoris Causa recognises individuals who demonstrate the highest levels of achievement in clinical care, outstanding support for the development of women’s healthcare services, and significant contributions to the work and mission of the RCOG.
Dr J. Ravi’s career exemplifies these ideals through decades of service dedicated to improving maternal and foetal health both nationally and internationally. He is also widely recognised as one of Malaysia’s leading figures in maternal–foetal medicine (MFM) and national obstetric service development.
Over the course of his distinguished career, he served as the National Head of Obstetric and Gynaecological Services, Ministry of Health, Malaysia, from 2010 to 2021, while simultaneously leading the development of maternal-foetal medicine services nationwide from 2006 to 2021.
He was instrumental in advancing Malaysia’s maternal health initiatives and bolstering obstetric services throughout the nation during this time. Many national initiatives to enhance maternal safety, clinical governance, and care quality were carried out under his direction.
His contributions to the development of systems and policies aimed at reducing maternal morbidity and mortality were especially important in ensuring that the knowledge gained from clinical practice was applied to enhance the provision of healthcare.
He had a significant influence as chairman of the Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths (CEMD). As part of this national initiative, systematic reviews of maternal deaths were conducted to identify preventable causes and implement strategies to improve patient outcomes.
In order to improve obstetric care and lower maternal mortality in Malaysia, national policies have benefited greatly from the work of the CEMD.
Another landmark contribution was his leadership as chairman of the National Obstetric Registry, a national database that has significantly strengthened research, policy development and quality improvement in maternal healthcare across the country.
Clinicians, researchers, and legislators can now use reliable national data to inform evidence-based decision-making and enhance maternal and perinatal outcomes thanks to the registry.
Dr J. Ravi has also played a pivotal leadership role within Malaysia’s professional societies. He served as Past President of the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia (OGSM) and Past President of the Perinatal Society of Malaysia, while also being the Founding and current President of the Malaysian Maternal Foetal Medicine Society.
Through these roles, he has helped shape national dialogue, academic exchange and professional development within the field of obstetrics and gynaecology.
Beyond national leadership, Dr J. Ravi has contributed extensively to global maternal health initiatives.
He has served as a consultant to international organisations including the World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and UNICEF, supporting maternal mortality surveillance systems and maternal health programmes in several countries, including China, India, Bangladesh, Vanuatu, North Korea, Laos, Vietnam and Indonesia, among others. His international engagement reflects the respect he commands within the global maternal health community.
In addition to his clinical and policy work, Dr J. Ravi is also deeply committed to medical education. He serves as professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at the prestigious Monash University Malaysia (Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences), where he contributes to the training and mentorship of future doctors and specialists.
Another notable aspect of his distinguished career is his continued service as the Royal Obstetrician to the Johor Royal Family, having delivered 17 royal babies to date.
This unique role reflects the trust and esteem placed in his clinical expertise and professional integrity.
Today, he continues to serve as Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and Maternal Foetal Medicine Consultant at Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Johor Bahru, home to one of Malaysia’s busiest obstetric units, where he remains actively involved in patient care, teaching and mentoring future generations of clinicians.
Dr J. Ravi is known for a simple yet powerful principle that reflects his lifelong commitment to safe motherhood:
“The eyes will not see what the mind does not know.”
“No woman should die giving life.”
These words capture the essence of his philosophy — that knowledge, vigilance and commitment are fundamental to ensuring safe and compassionate care for every mother.
The conferment of the RCOG Honorary Fellowship Honoris Causa is a fitting recognition of Prof Dr J. Ravi’s enduring contributions to women’s healthcare, his achievements represent not only a personal milestone but also a proud moment for the Malaysian obstetrics and gynaecology community.
More importantly, his career reflects the broader progress of Malaysia’s maternal health system. Through leadership, mentorship and unwavering dedication to clinical excellence, Dr J. Ravi has helped shape the foundations of modern obstetric practice in the country.
Therefore, the RCOG’s recognition honours not just a single person but also Malaysian obstetrics and gynaecology’s overall progress on the global scene.
Prof. Dr. J. Ravi’s principal and notable contributions include:
- National Head of Obstetric & Gynaecological Services, Ministry of Health Malaysia (2010–2021)
- National Head of Maternal Foetal Medicine Services (2006–2021)
- Chairman, Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths (CEMD)
- Chairman, National Obstetric Registry Malaysia
- Founding and Current President, Malaysian Maternal Fetal Medicine Society
- Past President, Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia (OGSM)
- Past President, Perinatal Society of Malaysia
- Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Monash University Malaysia (Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences)
- Consultant to WHO, UNFPA, JICA and UNICEF on maternal health initiatives
- Royal Obstetrician to the Johor Royal Family (17 royal babies delivered to date)
- Senior Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist and Maternal-Foetal Medicine Consultant, Hospital Sultanah Aminah Johor Bahru
