Crescent Hospital, which renders free and subsidised services to the poor, was started by a committed group of young doctors in 1946
The Crescent Hospital
The chaotic and congested Dr. Besant Road at Triplicane has undergone tremendous changes over the years. But The Crescent Hospital remains a popular landmark on the road, rendering free and subsidised health services to the poor for 75 years, even right through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The hospital, started by a committed group of young doctors in 1946 on the land donated by the then Prince of Arcot, entered the 75th year of its service last month. The present Prince of Arcot, Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali, is the patron of the hospital, while Dr. Syed Khaleefathullah, a Padma Shri awardee, is the president.
N.K.S. Shaik Mujibur Rahman, a doctor practising at the hospital for more than 10 years, said that when the hospital was started, it primarily offered outpatient and circumcision services. “While circumcision of male children is part of the Muslim culture, there were not many hospitals that offered the service at that time. Even if they were offering, the wait time was more as this was an elective procedure,” he said.
Dr. Rahman said the 23-bed hospital now offers a variety of services to all people, irrespective of their religion, at affordable and subsidised cost.
Some of the key services are dialysis, cataract surgery and maternity care because a large number of low and middle income families are in need of them.
“We also treat patients with other serious illnesses by engaging external consultants. For instance, we recently removed a huge fundal fibroid, weighing five kilogram, from a woman who was fighting obesity. Since she was poor, we did it at a subsidised cost,” he said.
A. Muruganandam, medical administrator of the hospital, who also handled its dialysis services, said the hospital was among the few that did not shut its door for a day for its dialysis patients at the peak of COVID-19. “We even handled a few symptomatic cases whose COVID-19 test results were awaited as they were in dire need of dialysis.” At least 15-20 patients underwent dialysis daily.
M. Mohsina Banu, an administrative staff member, said she had handled several patients unable to pay even the subsidised rates charged by the hospital. “We do not turn them away. We provide them free treatment after consulting some of the trusts supporting us.”
The platinum jubilee celebrations were inaugurated last month by the Prince of Arcot. The Prince of Arcot told The Hindu that he truly believed in the saying, “Service to the humanity is service to god,” and the the services offered by the hospital were the need of the hour because of the escalating healthcare expenditure.
He said a lot of what the hospital had achieved today would not have been possible but for the efforts of Dr. Khaleefathullah, who was ably supported by his son Dr. Syed M.M. Ameen, and doctors, nurses and others involved in the administration of the hospital. Many celebrations and free medical services have been planned throughout the year.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Tamil Nadu / by Pon Vasanth B A / October 23rd, 2021
Youngstar Welfare Organization, a group of youth from Mohiddin street (Madina Colony), organized a free medical check-up camp in collaboration with Srinivas Hospital, Surathkal. The camp was held today, Sunday, at Afreen Hall on Jamiaa Abad Road, drawing more than 500 people who came for health screenings and consultations. Many patients also received free medications after their check-ups.
The camp began at 10:00 AM and concluded at 3:00 PM, featuring a diverse team of specialists from Srinivas Hospital. Led by Hospital Manager Freeda D’Souza, the team consisted of 16 doctors, including General Surgeon Dr. Kaushal Shetty, Dermatologist Dr. Stalin, Orthopedic Specialist Dr. Kavish Shetty, and Gynecologist & OBG Specialist Dr. Divyani, as well as doctors from Pediatrics, Cardiology, General Surgery, and Ophthalmology. In addition to free medications, essential tests such as ECGs were conducted free of charge. Some patients were advised to undergo blood tests or other specialized diagnostics.
With the presence of three female doctors and several female staff members, the camp saw a large turnout of women who took advantage of the free services.
At the closing ceremony, Srinivas Hospital’s Senior Business Development Officer, Sadakathulla, emphasized that the hospital, located between Udupi and Mangalore on the Surathkal-Mukka National Highway, has been providing healthcare services for over 14 years.
The hospital, with its 920 beds, offers comprehensive medical care across various specialties, supported by a team of over 100 experienced doctors. It is equipped with modern facilities, including an advanced laboratory with 24/7 CT and MRI scan services. Specialized care in emergency trauma, cardiac, and neurosurgery is also available. He further noted that the hospital accepts all major government and private insurance plans.
The camp was successfully organized under the leadership of Youngstar President Zaheer Ahmed Shaikh and General Secretary Suhail Ahmed Kad-dari. Members Samiullah Shaikh, Sulaiman Bhai, Taufiq Khalifa, Tanveer Faraz, Subhan, and other volunteers played a key role in organizing the camp.
The closing session was attended by prominent community figures, including Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem President Inayatullah Shabandri, Iqbal Suhail, Musaddiq Ruknuddin, Fayyaz Ali Byndoor, and Dr. Nazim, among others.
source: http://www.sahilonline.org / Sahil Online / Home> Coastal News> Featured News / by IG Bhatkal / September 29th, 2024
The retired surgeon of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital traverses like a nomad to advocate birth control, especially among Assam’s rural Muslim populace.
Guwahati :
Assam’s “family planning jihadi”, who quotes from the holy texts, has finally got his dues, the Padma Shri.
For the past many years, Dr. Ilias Ali has been on a holy mission. The retired surgeon of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital traverses like a nomad to advocate birth control, especially among Assam’s rural Muslim populace.
The 63-year-old often adopts unusual but unique methods to motivate people to go for ‘No Scalpel Vasectomy’ (NSV). He quotes verses from the Quran and the Hadith to encourage people to go for NSV. He mostly works in the state’s Bengali Muslim settlements where people view NSV and the use of contraceptive pills as un-Islamic. Resistance is common, yet he has been able to motivate over 55,000 people to go for NSV.
“The first few years of my mission were very challenging. Those days, my family would get scared when I embarked on a journey to conduct an NSV camp. It feared for my life,” Dr. Ali, who is still a part of Assam’s NSV programme, told this correspondent.
He is happy that the government has recognised his contribution to society.
“I am very happy that my contribution has been recognised. It is an honour to the entire medical team that I have been a part with for years,” he said.
Uddhab Bharali is the other person from Assam to be named for the award. The 57-year-old has to his kitty over 150 innovations.
Three decades ago, Bharali had to drop out of his engineering studies as he could not afford to pay fees and was required to take care of his family. However, that was hardly an obstacle. Riding on his passion for creativity and innovation, he started developing machines, mostly from scrap, for everyday use. The turnaround was when he created a polythene-making machine for surrounding tea estates.
Much of his inventions are today centred round agriculture. His machines for de-seeding of pomegranates, peeling areca nuts and cassava, cutting tobacco leaves to extracting passion fruit juice helped in speedy agricultural process and provided livelihood to many.
Earlier, the BBC had done a documentary on the innovations of Bharali who is a recipient of several awards including three from abroad. He said he was very happy to be honoured.
“I’m feeling very happy that I have got a national recognition. I will continue with my work,” the innovator who works with students from various IITs, said. Bharali takes care of 25 families with poor financial backgrounds and is widely known for his philanthropic works.
Two others from the Northeast to be named for Padma Shri are archer Bombayla Devi Laishram of Manipur and flutist Thanga Darlong of Tripura. The 99-year-old Darlong is the last tribal musician to play “Rosem” which is a bamboo-made flute-like musical instrument.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Nation / by Prasanta Mazumdar (picture edited) / Express News Service / additional photograph of Padma Shri Award introduced – pix: source: rashtrapatibhvn: / January 26th, 2019
What’s striking is that nearly 80% of the clinic’s beneficiaries are Hindus, a fact that Maulana Majid considers instrumental in fostering communal harmony. “Serving these impoverished communities is our way of contributing to unity in diversity,” he stated with conviction.
As Lakshmi made her third visit to the Rahman Foundation Care Clinic nestled within the heart of Samrat Nagar in Neral, Maharashtra, She couldn’t help but praise the unparalleled treatment offered at nominal charges. “It’s my third time here, and each visit reaffirms the exceptional care and expertise of the doctors. The nominal fees we pay for such quality treatment is unparalleled,” she expressed gratefully.
Echoing Lakshmi’s sentiment, Maulana Shaih Majid, overseeing the medical section of the Rahman Foundation, emphasized the significant role the clinic plays in the lives of the predominantly Maratha Hindu population. “The locals, hailing from modest backgrounds, hold the clinic staff and doctors in high regard, almost akin to semi-gods,” he mentioned with pride.
What’s striking is that nearly 80% of the clinic’s beneficiaries are Hindus, a fact that Maulans Majid considers instrumental in fostering communal harmony. “Serving these impoverished communities is our way of contributing to unity in diversity,” he stated with conviction.
Kavita, another patient, expressed her regularity at Rahman Clinic. “I’m a frequent visitor. The care and treatment we receive here, priced at a mere 20 rupees including medication, is a lifeline for the underprivileged. A simple injection costs just 10 rupees,” she shared, highlighting the clinic’s affordability and accessibility for those in need.
Other patients echoed similar sentiments, praising not only the cost-effective treatment but also the warm and courteous demeanor of the entire clinic staff. “Here, we receive top-notch treatment at minimal expenses, and the staff’s friendliness adds a comforting touch to our visits,” remarked another patient.
The clinic’s roster of highly qualified doctors further elevates its reputation. Professionals like Dr. Vajaykumar Pawar (MBBS), Dr. Dipnayan Shinde Pawar (MBBS, MD), Dr. Samiya (BUMS), and Dr. Sana (MPTH) cater to the medical needs of patients at Neral Rahman Foundation Clinic, ensuring expert care within a modest setting.
Rahman Foundation’s reach extends far beyond the boundaries of Neral. With a network encompassing nine Rahman Clinics, four hospitals, and a diagnostic center spread across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, the foundation extends its services to 8,000 to 10,000 patients monthly, all at nominal charges. Additionally, the foundation actively conducts medical check-up camps to further extend its outreach.
The journey of Rahman Foundation, initiated in 1995 under the guidance of the visionary Islamic scholar Maulana Khaleelur Rahman Sajjad Naumani, has been nothing short of remarkable. From establishing Islamic seminaries to introducing CBSE pattern English medium schools, the Foundation’s evolution has been multifaceted. In 2017, it ventured into providing medical services. Over the last five years, the foundation has expanded its footprint, setting up Rahman Care Clinics, Rahman Hospitals, and Rahman Diagnostic Centers across five states, catering to approximately 8,000 to 10,000 patients every month.
‘Our vision is to expand and replicate this model across India’ said Maulana Majid with promising eyes.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Health> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Special Correspondent, Muslim Mirror / December 19th, 2023
Engineer Mohammad Yousuf founded the Help Handicap Foundation in 2001
Hyderabad:
Faiz-e-Aam Trust, Hyderabad organises a special gathering in the honour of Engineer Mohammad Yousuf, Director, Federal Transit Administration, Office of Infrastructure, Safety and Asset Innovation on Saturday. The event was by prominent personalities of Hyderabad. Yousuf emphasized that strong thinking and high intentions can overcome even the biggest challenges, and disability should not hinder a person’s path to success.
The event commenced with a warm welcome by Mr. Rizwan Hyder, Trustee, Faiz-e-Aam Trust, who also conducted the proceedings. Engineer Muhammad Yousuf, who contracted polio at the age of two, narrated his journey of overcoming obstacles. Despite facing numerous challenges, he pursued BS degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering plus an MS degree in Computer Engineering from USA with the timely financial assistance from Faiz-e-Aam Trust, marking a significant turning point in his life.
Engineer Mohammad Yousuf founded the Help Handicap Foundation in 2001, which later became the EquallyAble Foundation based in Michigan USA. The foundation operates in 12 countries, including India, providing extensive support to the disabled community. Through Faiz-e-Aam Trust, the foundation extended financial assistance of Rs 35,58,710 to 142 individuals, including students and patients, and facilitated employment for 1,000 disabled people. Additionally, the foundation grants $5,000 to students with disabilities pursuing higher education abroad.
Expressing his admiration for Engineer Mohammad Yousuf, Mr. Zaheeruddin Ali Khan, Managing Editor of Siasat, commended his relentless efforts in empowering disabled individuals worldwide. He emphasized that Engineer Yousuf’s determination and commitment have made a significant impact on the lives of disabled people across 120 countries.
Dr. Naseeruddin paid tribute to the invaluable services of Engineer Muhammad Yousuf and Iftikhar Hussain, Secretary of Faiz Aam Trust. Mr. Iftikhar Hussain shared how the trust assisted Mohammad Yousuf during his pursuit of higher education in America. He expressed his delight in witnessing Mohammad Yousuf’s success and his return of the financial assistance to the trust.
Mr. Iftikhar Hussain highlighted Faiz-e-Aam Trust’s journey, which started with Late Zulfiqar Hussain’s vision in 1982 and has grown into a strong force of aid and support. The trust annually provides more than Rs 1 crore to help meritorious students and those in need. He also acknowledged the trust’s collaboration with Siasat Millat Fund, contributing to the assistance of victims of communal riots and disasters across Hyderabad, Telangana, and various parts of the country.
The gathering was organized in honor of Engineer Mohammad Yousuf and was attended by prominent personalities of the city, including Zaheeruddin Ali Khan, Rizwan Hyder, Ali Hyder Amir, Syed Haider Ali, Khalil Ahmed, Ayub Salahuddin, Ms. Zainab, Ms. Rubina, Ms.Shahnaz, Shaheed Hussain, Ms. Marwat Hussain, Mr. Salman Tayyabi, M.A. Siddiq, Dr. Ibrahim, Qazi Zainul Abedin, Prof. Khwaja Nasiruddin, Haroon Zai, Qari Siddiq Hashim, Ahmad Bashiruddin Farooqui, and other members of Faiz Aam Trust. The event witnessed a large gathering of staff and attendees who were moved by the inspirational stories and noble efforts of Engineer Mohammad Yousuf and the trust.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by Zahed Farooqui / July 21st, 2023
Human Welfare Foundation (HWF), in collaboration with RailTel Corporation of India Limited, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to carry out a corporate social responsibility (CSR) project aimed at promoting healthcare and women’s empowerment in selected villages of the Jalna District of Maharashtra.
The project will include two interconnected initiatives. The first will address menstrual hygiene in a few selected villages in Jalna District, while the second will run a mobile unit staffed by healthcare professionals to facilitate special online consultations and offline solutions for common people in selected villages.
RailTel Corporation of India Limited will provide funding support for the project, which will be implemented over a period of one year in six villages in the Jalna District, namely Chikali, Dalegaon, Kedarkheda, Loangaon, Chandai, and Rajur.
The project’s activities will include the formation of two self-help groups comprising 60 women who will be responsible for the distribution of sanitary napkins in the villages. The project will also create a source of livelihood for the women, sensitizing and raising awareness among young girls and women in these villages about the health benefits of the use of sanitary napkins, menstrual hygiene, and health-related issues.
The project’s goal is to empower people in the selected villages to address health and nutrition issues and set up income-generating plants for women. The project will focus on two areas of activity, namely self-help group formation for menstrual hygiene management (MHM) and tele-health medicine.
The project aims to provide infrastructure, training, health, and medical facilities in Jalna District villages, promote hygienic menstrual practices among rural women and adolescent girls, eliminate stigmas and taboos related to menstruation, facilitate authentic information and guidance to reduce hospitalization, empower girls by addressing gender issues, provide comprehensive mobile health care services, and enhance the physical and psychological well-being of rural women. The project also offers free tele-consultations by an expert panel of doctors to all beneficiaries.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Economy / by admin India Tomorrow / March 08th, 2023
Sitting in his clinic at Defence Colony, Dr. Asif Naqvi reminisces about the year 2012 when he was associated with the then Indian Premier League’s (IPL) Delhi Dare Devils team, and Kevin Peterson was a member of the squad.
Dr.Naqvi told Awaz-the Voice, “Back then Kevin was desperately looking for a chiropractor to adjust his spine and during that time in India nobody had a clue as to what this holistic method of treatment was…”
Coming from a sports background Dr.Asif says, “I have been rather I am a cricketer and truly speaking sports is my true love, while growing up I witnessed doctors accompanying the sports team and that inspired me to do something in this field…I was never an ace as a sports person thus I became a doctor to stay connected to my roots…”
After 2012, Dr Asif switched to sports medicine. He joined Sweden’s Ackerman College to study Chiropractic and later obtained a certification in Sports Rehabilitation from London Academy’s Sports and Health Sciences.
Today in South Delhi’s Defense Colony, he runs a clinic where patients are treated most holistically. Awaz- the Voice spoke with Dr.Asif about this journey from a sports physiotherapist to a Chiropractor and about this genre of medicinal therapy. Excerpts from the interview:
Normally people are interested in the more well-known genre of medicine, like gynecology, physiotherapy, neurology, or a plain master’s degree in medicine; why you became a chiropractor?
See, chiropractic is something we can do some manual treatment of your spinal joints. There are many problems where one often pops pills but that isn’t a cure, that is the management of an ailment for say a particular period. For example if one has diabetes, taking medicines would keep diabetes in control but would that be a cure? Of course, not. Similarly, posture misalignment is not a disease that can be cured by popping pills, rather it is a disorder that is prominent due to incessant working hours on the system.
Now if the posture is not correct the spine suffers the most as it is the most important thing in the body; all the nerve roots come out from the spine. The spine connects with your muscles, bones, organs, and everything through nerves, now if there is a posture misalignment, your body is not aligning and any nerve pressure means a disturbed supply from nerves to the respective body parts; this leads to the feeling of pain or weakness. Cervical slipped disc, and vertigo is some very common ailments that patients suffer due to posture misalignment.
In modern Allopathy, one would go for painkillers, but again, that further damages the central nervous system, here in chiropractic we re-align the spine and work on healing the posture, de-compressing the nerves, and so on.
How would you describe decompression to a layman?
Decompression means when you have a disc problem – lots of people nowadays have it – because of sitting on the system for long hours say 10-15 hours a day. Such people develop weak spines. Those who are going to the gym or playing sports can also have such problems.
Thus if you are going to the gym and doing the wrong exercise or doing very heavy exercises, you can injure your back and your disc. Also, it can happen if you have put on weight also. So once you put on weight, there’s extra load on your spine, especially your lower back.
Disc injury is very common nowadays but then this is not a disease but a basic structural problem. These days youngsters can be seen struggling with this problem. Above 60, we may say it is due to age but in the age group of 20, 30, 40, and 50 it is more of a misalignment.
Would you say changing lifestyle is one major reason for people to develop weak spines?
Well, yes, we can say that.
So why did you choose Sweden and London to study Chiropractic therapy?
Reason…It is easier in Europe to get admission than in America; also in Europe, there are n-number of short-term courses available for training as a chiropractor.
From a specialist in sports injury to a chiropractor; how would you describe your journey so far?
As far as my journey is concerned I would say, in the medical sciences or medical field, you always learn, you are always eager to learn new things and there’s always new research that comes and you have to update yourself. And that’s why it’s called practice. You always do the practice. You are never an expert. Exactly. So that’s how you know, we have to keep updating our knowledge and skills in all the related fields. Whether you are doing chiropractic or sports engineering medicine, whatever you are doing, you have to do a lot of fellowships, and crash courses to stay updated in this school.
So, that’s why I still do many courses, because when I see something new, I feel I can improve. I guess I am still learning.
What are the key myths around Chiropractic in India; are people scared of this therapy?
Definitely, they are, as you know, chiropractic is something new to Indians and people have only seen the video; though it looks exciting there when they face it they feel scared. We try to convince them but to date, I come across many patients who don’t allow me to do neck alignment, they say, “neck toot toh nahin Jayega, bone Chetak toh nahin Jayeza..(I will break my neck)”. Especially if somebody is a senior citizen, his children are more scared but we are taught to apply different pressure to different age groups, this practice is safe even for kids.
How do you convince them?
Actually, we give them options like physiotherapy and so on. We try to convince them but if they do not agree then we do not force them. We even get our patients to sign the consent form.
Do you feel the millennials are the approach to holistic methods of healing? If yes, then what would your advice be to them to shun medicines or operations?
See chiropractic is something that is very much required, especially in a country like India which has the largest population, with this approach people can be saved from consuming medicines thus saving one’s liver and kidneys. So in the coming days, people will get fully aware of chiropractic and this treatment being solely for the spine or your joints and the shortest solution for any sports injury.
So that’s all in the coming days and the coming age. From what I see I feel chiropractic care is going to pop up in India and everyone is going to be aware of it. As you know, I’m getting patients from all over India. They come here as they can not find a chiropractor in their place. Also, I have treated patients from Nepal, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, and so on…So, they are here because chiropractic cure is somehow not very popular in their countries also.
And when they see the videos online, they understand the therapy. Some people have been suffering for many years, especially from spine-related health issues. And a chronic illness leaves a person paralyzed and dependent upon the family as no hard labour can be expected from him. So, they are looking for a magical treatment.
How affordable is this therapy? I’m sure that many university students who are into sports could need it. How affordable is it for them or say for a middle-class person?
See, right now, obviously, Chiropractic treatment is expensive as there’s no competition. So, the basic thing is that we don’t even have a chiropractic school or college in India. Once we have this infrastructure, once we have a college, and many students are coming out from these then obviously there will be competition and prices will be at par with other therapies. Also, Chiropractic treatment would be more visible, easily available, and cheaper. But right now as it’s a bit expensive I do have students, senior citizens, or economically weaker sections in my consideration and offer them discounts. At times when we feel that some patients are very poor then I have even waived my consultation charges.
Is chiropractor an ancient therapy; like how would you define the root of chiropractic treatment?
Is a part of osteopathy (Bone therapy). You must have heard about the osteopaths and bone setters, in ancient times there weren’t any doctors so these bone setters would use sticks to wrap up the hands or legs. Just like Yoga, this practice is also ancient but today it has caught up the popularity and is spreading more scientifically.
Is there a change in the psyche of patients these days? Do you feel that holistic treatment is catching up with Gen Z?
It is mostly word of the mouth but then so much is available online at times that is a scam too so similarly, we get more and more patients via word of the mouth. I think that in our practice we are getting more patients from the word of mouth. We are treating more patients every day and obviously, people are getting cured and once you get cured, then you obviously refer other patients.
Can you tell me about a patient with chronic illness whom you have treated?
See, there are many. But I will mention about one lady who came from Manipur. She is Sangeeta, she has been advised of surgery. Also at a Delhi hospital, she was treated with injections. She was really in a lot of pain, I have given her 7 or 8 sessions and she is now walking. I will soon upload her interview on my YouTube channel, Dr.Asif Naqvi.
Do you use social media platforms to promote your therapy?
Yes, we do so. Social media is the medium through which we can spread awareness about this field of medicine. However, that alone is not enough. Only if your work is good, you cannot retain patients. I do not like promoting myself but when I see people suffering I wish to help them. I think social media is a good platform to spread awareness about this field of medicine.
How far have we come from 2012 to the present day in the field of chiropractic treatment?
We still have a long way to go as we have a large population and we need good chiropractors. Unless we have colleges and schools in India it is very difficult. it is not affordable for everyone to go to America or to Europe to get an education we must have the course here.
Why one should go to a chiropractor and not for regular medicine? What would your advice be?
Obviously, I am not saying that people should not go for regular medicinal therapies but chiropractic can solve so many problems without making one swallow medicines. I think people prefer this nowadays. Awareness regarding the same is catching up these days. In the West people prefer naturopathy, massage or any treatment with fewer medicines and I guess here too this trend is now catching up. I believe that in the coming days once the awareness about the side effects of the pills increases more and more people would switch to holistic treatments.
How easy or how tough has it been for you?
Initially, when I opted for sports medicine then too it was a tough time as there wasn’t any awareness about this field of practice. Sports weren’t this popular in India back then. A normal sports injury would be taken to a regular doctor. Sports were played for the sake of playing and not for making careers. But today with the advent of IPL and other leagues parents are pushing their kids into sports and more and more as a professional.
So do you have any sportsperson as your client?
Currently, I don’t but yes I have treated Sachin (Tendulkar), Gautam Gambhir, and others
Is a doctor for sports an interesting glamorous job?
I love my job as I am a sports person. To date, I go to the gym and play corporate cricket. I am thankful to Almighty for all the opportunities and I feel proud that I have helped many through my practice. Sports is my inspiration.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home / by Shaista Fatima, New Delhi / January 23rd, 2023
During his tenure as Viceroy General of India, Charles Hardinge, the 1st Baron Hardinge of Penshurst, came in touch with many practising hakims and vaidyas while opening medical colleges in India.
During the middle of the 18th Century, India had physicians from diverse backgrounds including vaidyas and hakims who practised Ayurveda and Unani respectively, and freely borrowed medicine recipes from each other. But, with the arrival of the British, both practices were sidelined.
During his tenure as Viceroy General of India, Charles Hardinge, the 1st Baron Hardinge of Penshurst, came in touch with many practising hakims and vaidyas while opening medical colleges in India. It was his friendship with Hakim Ajmal Khan, a practising Unani medical physician from the lineage of hakims of Mughal rulers, that made him lay the foundation stone of the Ayurvedic and Unani Tibbia College in 1916.
Prior to the college, currently situated in Karol Bagh, Hakim Ajmal Khan and his two elder brothers Hakim Abdul Majid Khan and Hakim Mohamed Wasal Khan worked under their father, Hakim Gulam Mehmood Khan, in their house, Sharif Manzil, in Chandni Chowk’s Ballimaran. Their father ran a small Unani school, named Unani Madrasa Tibbia, where they practised and taught Unani and Ayurvedic medicine to young scholars.
Hakim Ajmal Khan’s grandfather, Hakim Sharif Khan, was a physician to Mughal Emperor Shah Alam and had built Sharif Manzil, after which the family came to be known as “Sharifi”. Hakim Sharif Khan’s ancestors had come to India during the reign of Babar and were of imminent importance during Shah Jahan’s rule. They were then known as the aristocrats of Delhi and enjoyed a high social status.
Speaking with The Indian Express, the great grandson of Hakim Ajmal Khan, 80-year-old Masroor Ahmed Khan, said the Unani Madrasa Tibbia was opened in 1882. “We have 300 years of history and were known as royal hakims. When the Britishers came, they were bringing a new ordinance under which Allopathy medicine was going to be promoted more and Unani, Ayurveda were being sidelined. Until then, the education of Unani medicine was not institutionalised. Fearing that their practices will fade out, they started a college from Sharif Manzil,” he said.
Masroor added that he is the first in his family to not practise medicine.
He said the three brothers taught at Sharif Manzil and after the death of his two elder brothers, Hakim Ajmal Khan continued as the head of the college and raised the quality of the institution. “His popularity grew further, and he went on to become chief physician to the Nawab of Rampur. He was also a consultant for the royal families of Patiala, Jind, Gwalior, Gaikwad,” said Masroor.
The Unani Madrasa Tibbia was flourishing alongside Hakim Ajmal Khan’s popularity, and he then decided to buy land to build a new college for which a board of trustees was formed. With some influence and a promise that a wing of the hospital will be dedicated to Lady Hardinge, the trust received land from the British India government. The land in Karol Bagh was granted to the Anjuman-I-Tibbia on February 14, 1916, by the imperial Delhi Committee.
The foundation stone was laid on March 29, 1916, by Lord Hardinge after the board sent him a letter inviting him for the same.
Masroor said it was Hakim Ajmal Khan’s nationalistic approach because of which he named the college Ayurvedic and Unani Tibbia College, where 99% practitioners were of Unani medicine and only 2-3% of Ayurveda. “Hakim Ajmal Khan was also one of the founders of Jamia Millia Islamia and he was the only Muslim to chair a session of the Hindu Mahasabha. He was elected as president of the Indian National Congress from 1921-22 and also became president of the Muslim League and the All India Khilafat Committee,” said Masroor.
During his Khilafat movement days, Hakim Ajmal Khan had corresponded with Mahatma Gandhi to inaugurate the college, which the latter agreed to, and launched it on February 13, 1921.
Much before the Parliament, North and South avenues and India Gate, the college was an architectural marvel in the newly founded capital of India. The buildings represent a mix of Indian and Mughal architecture and house classrooms, laboratories, hospital pharmacies, hostels, office and staff quarters.
Hakim Ajmal Khan also helped in developing the college of more than 50 acres and also established a garden of herbs on the road across the college. The garden has now been named after him as ‘Ajmal Khan Park’ and is maintained by the MCD. The road has also been named after him – Ajmal Khan Road is now a popular shopping area of Delhi.
During the Partition, a majority of hakims of the family left for Pakistan and the college was taken over by Hakim Jamil Khan, son of Hakim Ajmal Khan, and while he was using the college as his own personal space, the then education minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad decided to take over the college and run it as a government institution.
The matter reached the Supreme Court, which announced that the college will be a government run institution. The college is now being run by the Delhi government and admits students through the NEET exam.
According to college principal Mohammed Zubair, a total of 75 seats are through NEET. He said the college also provides courses in BUMS and BAMS and MD.
He added that post Covid, the perspective of students and patients in general has changed and a large number of students have opted for these courses. “We had students even before Covid but now a number of students who have done courses in physiotherapy and have done their BSc have come to study here.”
Not only this. Mohammed Zubair said a large number of patients too still believe in Unani and Ayurvedic medicine. “We have a footfall of 1,000 patients in our OPD. We also provide minor surgeries. The Delhi government had also established the Ayush Centre in our college where we admitted 989 Covid patients,” he said.
According to writer and historian Sohail Hashmi, there are a lot of people in smaller towns and remote places, where allopathy hasn’t reached or is not enough, who opt for traditional systems of medicines including Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha.
“Once we were colonised, it was then that our traditional systems were discarded. Colonisation colonised our minds. The Indian system of Ayurveda and Unani function on the basis of five groups of illnesses; so did Hippocrates’ four humors theory. There are a whole lot of commonalities in what Hippocrates discovered and it came to India from Greece via Iran and Arabia,” he said.
source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> Cities> Delhi / by Ankita Upadhyay / New Delhi – November 13th, 2022
Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman, the biggest private medical university in the Middle East region celebrated its 24th anniversary, with a special ceremony attended by Dr. Thumbay Moideen – Founder, President Board of Trustees GMU, Prof. Hossam Hamdy – Chancellor of GMU, Mr. Akbar Moideen Thumbay – Vice President of the Healthcare Division of Thumbay Group, and Deans of the colleges of the University as well as other staff and students.
The celebration was an occasion to reflect GMU’s achievements till date, at the same time reaffirming its commitment to foster continued evolution of Gulf Medical University as an international powerhouse of health professions education, research and innovation.
Highlighting the evolution and development of the Gulf Medical University in terms of buildings, staff, students and scientific and educational degrees, Dr. Thumbay Moideen said, “From humble beginnings as the region’s first private medical University, today GMU is a testament of along and distinguished success story of being the region’s only private Academic Health System- delivering futuristic medical education at the same time playing an important role in providing state-of-the-art healthcare and promoting innovative research.
Our progress over the last 24 years has been driven by the dedication of our staff, students and partners, in addition to GMU’s philosophy of constant innovation and above all, the Grace of the Almighty. We have also received excellent support from the government throughout this journey.
Prof. Hossam Hamdy said that GMU has developed a unique model in the form of the Gulf Medical University Academic Health System, showcasing on a global front that the future of medical education is ‘systems’ linking education, healthcare and research. “The shared philosophies of the six colleges under Gulf Medical University, its teaching hospital and the passion for supporting all-round excellence has helped in making many distinctive contributions to the overall community over the last two decades. In addition, our response to the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the great value of our academic community and the strengths of our basic, convergent and translational science.”
Recently, the ‘Academic Team’ at Gulf Medical University unveiled a long-term strategic growth plan of doubling its capacity in the next three to four years, aligning to future requirements and strategic direction of education policies laid down by the United Arab Emirates and thereby creating an Emirati healthcare workforce to serve the region
Gulf Medical University and Thumbay network of academic hospitals daycare, Labs, Pharmacies and clinics together train around 20 percent of the doctors and approximately 60 percent of the healthcare professionals in the country, creating a significant impact on the healthcare sector of the country and the region.
Moreover, students benefit with adequate opportunities to showcase their achievements through student activities, Interprofessional skills, sporting and cultural events that train them to be multi-disciplinary experts.
Other benefits provided to the students include: Clinical training sites of unmatched quality at 8 hospitals, 10 clinics, 5 labs and 48 pharmacies and a total of 700 beds; tie-ups with other local entities as clinical training sites with over 400 qualified faculty, doctors and adjunct faculty who provide one-on-one clinical training to students and quality care to the patients of UAE; access to technological platforms and an outstanding infrastructure for research on imaging, functional genomics, sequencing with NGS facility.
In terms of advancing healthcare in the UAE and globally, GMU has launched the establishment of the first liquid biopsy facility in the region, the zebra fish and a platform for drug discovery and development. This has led to achieving its position as a leader in research in medical education in UAE and the entire region with 70% of all papers published in medical education in the UAE coming from GMU.
Since its inception, around 2000 students have graduated from GMU, advancing their career and securing successful positions including CEOs, COOs, Medical Directors and Heads of Departments in the healthcare and research across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Europe, North America and Australia.
Moreover, the university’s academic and research tie-ups with over 70 international universities and research institutions has ensured global recognition and employability for GMU graduates.
To name a few, GMU’s collaboration with International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has led to humanitarian learning in healthcare to create a model youth force in the country that will be equipped with all the basic skills and knowledge to fight any emergency crisis as per international standards.
Likewise, the ‘Future Scientist program’ has been an innovative educational enrichment internship program for Male/ Female Emirati talent who are motivated to nurture their interest in biomedical and drug discovery research. The program helps in preparing them for an exciting career as research scientists.
Recently, GMU has also achieved international accreditation by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)-the agency responsible for accrediting higher education institutions in the UK utilizing european standards and guidelines for Quality assurance.
Besides, Gulf Medical University has won several global recognitions such as Forbes, Dubai Quality Award, QS Awards, QS Reimagine WRC Leaders and Ranking from QS University Rankings, Times Higher Education, placing placed the university among top health professions education institutions in the region and globally.
source: http://ww.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home / by press release / November 21st, 2022
“The Yenepoya organization, which backs grief-stricken people and is in the forefront of humanitarian service, is model to all. Organ donation is very important is present times as many are dying due to organ failure. All have to think about organ donation,” opined Bishop of Mangalore Diocese Dr Peter Paul Saldanha.
The bishop was speaking after inaugurating the Yenepoya Nephro Urology organization under the aegis of Nephrology, Urology, Renal transplant and Robotic surgery departments of Deralakatte Yenepoya Medical College.
The bishop further said, “Yenepoya organization has recently given honorary doctorate to president of Gulbarga University recognising his humanitarian service. This is really appreciable. There is a possibility of giving life to five people from a person who is brain dead. Many make their death a fruitful one. We have to learn a lot from the people who are dying. Greek believed the whole world as one life. It is important to save lives.”
Prof Dr Ravindra Prabhu of Nephrology department, KMC Manipal said, “There was time when anyone with kidney ailment was going to die for sure. Very few were coming to hospital with kidney disease. Many have died due to heart attack because of psychological pressure of kidney ailment. Others were not even taking any medicine. Now many are getting cured due to innovative technology. Let the Nephro Urology department which has begun in Yenepoya, give good training to students.”
Vice chancellor of Yenepoya University Dr M Vijayakumar said, “The corporate zone is ruled by the renal department treatment method. The organ donation when one is alive shows the highest form of humanitarian values.”
Seven people who donated kidney to relatives were felicitated on the occasion. Farhad Yenepoya, Associate vice chancellor of Yenepoya deemed university, Dr Gangadhar Somayaji, registrar, Dr M S Moosabba, dean of Yenepoya Medical College, Dr Prakash R M Saldanha, medical superintendent of Yenepoya medical college were the chief guests.
Senior urologist of Yenepoya Speciality Hospital Dr Ashok Pandit, head of Nephrology department of Yenepoya Dr Santhosh Pai gave details of the felicitated people.
Dr Altaf Khan welcomed the gathering. Dr Mujib Ur Rehman did the introduction. Dr Nishchith D’Souza proposed a vote of thanks.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Top Stories / by Mohan Kuthan / Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS) / October 31st, 2022