RENAL DIALYSIS LAUNCH - DURBAN

The Islamic Medical Association / IQRAA Trust Dialysis launch took place on the 12^th November 2007 at the Shifa Hospital Boardroom, Overport, Durban.  This was the result of extensive planning between the IMA and the Trust represented by their chief financial officer, Mr Ebrahim Vawda.  The event commenced at 7.15pm and was attended by some 80 individuals; which included IMA executive members and staff, Iqraa trustees, KZN Dialysis staff, local doctors, prominent members from the community and the chief guest for the evening, Professor YK Seedat.

The MC for the function was Dr Ebrahim Abdulla, who welcomed the guests and set the stage for the evening by outlining the agenda. The first presentation was by Dr MC Solwa, who did a power point

presentation, outlining the Dialysis programme from the time it was conceived to the point it was initiated. He stressed that this was the result of team work and that when individuals with a common purpose come together in earnest, the most unattainable is achievable as in the case of the dialysis project.  He further stressed that this was the result of sharing of resources, experiences, finance and expertise of not only Doctors and community organizations but also that of individuals with vision and commitment. Lastly he mentioned the sustainability of the project will depend on continuous commitment of the Committee  members and finding innovative funding strategies. The objective of the project was to provide dialysis for patients with ESRD who were refused by the state and the vision was to find sustainable methods for such projects in other areas.

Dr Ahmed Suleman represented the Lenmed Group, owners of Shifa Hospital that have provided premises at a nominal fee and promised to assist in every possible way to see the project be a success. The group encouraged the establishment of the dialysis service from an early stage, as they strongly believe in uplifting communities and not only profit from them.

The Iqraa Trust was represented by their director, Mr Mahmoud Youssef Baker, who stated that his group felt privileged to be associated with the IMA and its dialysis unit. An amount of R600 000 was being pledged over the next three years and encouraged other community organizations and businesses to do likewise. Further, he promised to assist in every possible way and outlined the trusts donations in South Africa, where assistance is being provided to schools, community organizations and individuals.

Professor YK Seedat presented the keynote address for the evening. In his inimitable style he said that he was impressed with the zeal with which the project was being launched. He again stressed that the project presented many challenges, but that the community had the resources and commitment to see the project be a success.

Finally, the vote of thanks was given by Mr Solly Suleman who worked tirelessly to see the project off the ground.The evening ended with snacks and a visit to the dialysis unit where the staff and patients were there to educate the guests on the challenges that renal failure presents.

Ms Shirin Cassim
Islamic Medical Association of South Africa
Durban Office
P.O. Box 701063, Overport, 4067, South Africa
222 Kenilworth Road, Overport, 4091
Tel: 27 31 2072250   Fax: 27 31 2072260
Email: imakzn@eastcoast.co.za

Durban Branch Fund Foundation

 BANKING DETAILS:

NAME:                        ISLAMIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION 

BANK:                        NEDBANK

ACC. NUMBER:       1359 250492

BRANCH:                  OVERPORT

CODE:                       131326

REFERENCE:          Please specify “Zakaat”, “Lillah”  etc. and your “Name”