On Sunday, 27 October 2024, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Medical Association held its general meeting at Islamabad, Tilford. The programme commenced with registration at 11:00 am, followed by the recitation of the Holy Quran by Dr Azhar Siddiq Sahib.
The highlight of the meeting was the keynote address delivered by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa. Huzooraa expressed his pleasure at the gathering of Ahmadi doctors from around the world, stating, “Alhamdulillah, I am pleased that Ahmadi doctors from around the world have joined together at this conference to collaborate and explore new and better ways to fulfil the objectives of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Medical Association.”
He emphasised the importance of developing concrete plans to enhance support for the Jamaat’s medical institutions and to further efforts in serving humanity. “Certainly, I hope and pray that you have formulated concrete plans or will formulate concrete plans to enhance your support for the Jamaat’s medical institutions and to further your efforts to serve humanity,” he said.
Huzooraa highlighted the exemplary work of the medical association in Australia, noting their dedication in treating patients and equipping Jamaat hospitals with essential equipment and machinery. He remarked, “With the grace of Allah, our medical associations in some countries are doing excellent work. For example, according to the reports I received, Australia Jamaat’s medical association is ahead of others in treating patients and equipping Jamaat hospitals with essential equipment and machinery.”
He praised their unwavering commitment, saying, “Their unwavering commitment to serving those facing hardship and displacement embodies the spirit of service inherent to our faith as Muslims.” He also mentioned that despite not being particularly affluent or large in number, their sincere desire to serve others, meticulous planning, strategic collaboration, and efficient utilisation of resources had enabled them to provide valuable services. “Thus, always remember that true service lies not in how much we have but in how much we are willing to give and sacrifice for the sake of others,” Huzooraa said.
Acknowledging the efforts of Ahmadi doctors in the United States, Huzooraa said, “Alhamdulillah, our Ahmadi doctors in the United States have also demonstrated a long-standing commitment to serving the Jamaat’s healthcare initiatives.” He highlighted their pivotal role in the construction of the Tahir Heart Institute in Rabwah (Pakistan) and their continued support through providing essential medical machinery and equipment.
He specifically mentioned the extraordinary dedication of two or three Ahmadi doctors from the USA who regularly travel to Rabwah to perform surgeries and provide exceptional treatment at the Tahir Heart Institute. “Unquestionably, they are serving the Jamaat with the spirit and devotion expected of a waqif-e-zindagi. May Allah also reward them immensely for their service,” he prayed.
Huzooraa urged the Ahmadiyya Muslim Medical Association in the United States and other countries to focus on raising the standards of the Fazl-e-Umar Hospital in Rabwah. “Indeed, the ambition and objective should be for the Fazl-e-Umar Hospital to become a genuine centre of medical excellence,” he asserted. He called for the construction of new buildings, renovation of existing ones, procurement of modern medical equipment, and recruitment and training of more doctors, nurses, and staff.
He encouraged the doctors, stating, “If you can achieve this objective, you will not only impact the lives of countless individuals today but will also leave a lasting legacy for generations to come, insha-Allah.”
Highlighting the challenges faced by Ahmadis in Pakistan, Huzooraa mentioned that many who remained were living in real hardship and could not afford basic medical care. “Given the ever-rising costs of medical treatment, it is impossible for such people to afford even basic medical care,” he noted. He reminded the audience of the Jamaat’s duty towards khidmat-e-khalq (i.e., service to humanity) and urged the medical association to formulate comprehensive strategic plans for the short-term and long-term development of Fazl-e-Umar Hospital.
He stressed that merely suggesting improvements was not enough, stating, “Many Ahmadi doctors themselves have expressed their opinion that the Fazl-e-Umar Hospital should be developed into a state-of-the-art facility. Yet, it is not sufficient to merely suggest this. Rather, as doctors and as a medical association, you should be at the vanguard of translating this aspiration into a reality.”
Huzooraa also acknowledged the contributions of Ahmadi doctors and scientists in Germany, especially in advancing cardiology by developing and manufacturing stents at a very low price. He noted, “Initial results have been extremely promising, and the stents are proving of benefit to patients.” He praised their sincerity in travelling to Rabwah and Africa to treat patients and provide healthcare.
He encouraged Ahmadi doctors engaged in medical research to focus on healthcare challenges faced by those in economically deprived countries. “Explore innovative solutions, develop cost-effective treatments, and strive to contribute to the development of sustainable healthcare systems that cater to the needs of the most vulnerable populations,” he advised.
Addressing the precarious geopolitical situation of the world, Huzooraa warned of the potential humanitarian crisis that could result from escalating conflicts. “While we continue to pray that such a war may be averted, we must also ensure that we have planned for all eventualities,” he cautioned. He urged Ahmadi medical associations to proactively develop comprehensive contingency plans detailing how Ahmadi doctors could efficiently utilise their skills to serve humanity in the event of a global crisis.
Turning his attention to the efforts of the UK Medical Association, Huzooraa mentioned their previous pledge to build a hospital in the Ivory Coast, which they later withdrew from. He expressed hope that the hospital, now under Humanity First, would soon be completed and serve as a means of providing high-quality healthcare, insha-Allah. He encouraged the UK Medical Association to contribute post-construction by arranging for Ahmadi doctors to travel to the Ivory Coast regularly as Waqf-e-Arzi doctors. Huzooraa also added, “After this experience, you should not think it is unrealistic or beyond your capabilities to build such hospitals in Africa or other developing regions.”
He highlighted the success of Majlis Ansarullah UK in constructing the Masroor Eye Institute and a general hospital in Burkina Faso. “With the grace of Allah, Ahmadi doctors, including eye specialists from the UK, are travelling there regularly to offer their services and to train local doctors,” he said. He noted that doctors from Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and Lajna Imaillah were also participating, motivated by the efforts of Majlis Ansarullah rather than the UK Medical Association.
Huzooraa urged the UK Medical Association to work passionately and diligently throughout the year, stating, “Your objectives extend far beyond these walls, reaching into the most remote and deprived communities around the world.” He emphasised that the true measure of success lies in the impact made on the world, not in hosting conferences.
He acknowledged the sincere efforts of many dedicated Ahmadi doctors in the UK but emphasised the importance of collective action. “Collective action is the means of amplifying one’s impact,” he remarked.
Concluding his address, Huzooraa reminded every Ahmadi doctor and medical professional of their unique position to serve humanity. “Do not take this lightly. Instead, consider this a huge privilege and opportunity to gain the nearness and blessings of Allah the Almighty,” he urged. He encouraged them to never tire or waver in their service and to constantly seek new ways to contribute, innovate, and expand their reach.
He prayed, “May it be that in the coming months and years ahead, you are able to demonstrate a profound and extraordinary increase in your efforts to fulfil the objectives for which the Ahmadiyya Muslim Medical Association was established.” He reminded them that their skills and successes are gifts from Allah, valuable when utilised selflessly for serving His creation.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa concluded with a heartfelt prayer: “May Allah the Almighty enable you to not only develop new ideas and schemes to serve humanity, but also, more importantly, to fulfil them. May you serve those in need with passion, empathy, tenderness, and compassion. May you serve Allah’s creation with devotion, purely to gain His pleasure and blessings in the knowledge that whatever blessings Allah has bestowed upon you should be utilised in the service of others. May all of you prove to be faithful servants of humanity.” Amin.
Huzooraa then led everyone in a silent prayer and the event came to a successful end.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)