Ref: CHB/Bull/6/2006                                                       Date: September 24, 2006                                                                                     1^st Ramadhan 1427 AH

CHB NEWS BULLETIN No: 6/2006

Chairman’s message.

The significance of the holy month of Ramadhan:

Fasting has its advantages from the point of view of health and hygiene. Islam wants a Muslim to be healthy, clean, alert, agile and energetic. "Fast to be healthy," had said the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W.). And physicians today acknowledge the many benefits of fasting that ensure health and the soundness of one's body and mind. Some of these positive points have a direct influence on psychology and physique of the fasting individual.

Fasting has been found to be an effective treatment for psychological and emotional disorders. It helps a person to firm up his will, cultivate and refine his taste and manners, strengthen his conviction of doing good, avoid controversy, petulance and rashness, which all contribute towards a sane and healthy personality. Besides nurturing resistance and ability to face hardships and endurance, fasting reflects on outward physical appearance by cutting out gluttony and getting rid of excess fat. The benefits of fasting on health do not stop there but are instrumental in alleviating a number of physical diseases, including those of the digestive systems, such as chronic stomachache, inflammation of the colon, liver diseases, indigestion, and conditions such as obesity, arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, asthma, diphtheria and many other maladies.

A Swiss physician Dr. Barsilus noted that: The advantages of hunger as a remedy exceed those ingesting medicine several times.

This is the month that is the best of all months in the estimation of Allah (s.w.t.). Its days are the best among the days; its nights are the best among the nights. Its hours are the best among the hours.

The holy month of Ramadan enjoys a special importance in the Islamic calendar. As the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W) said: "It is Allah's Own month." It is the chief of all months and the most glorious one.

The blessings of Ramadan are not limited to fasting alone, because the performance of all sorts of worship and good deeds during this month is also a source of great Divine favor, so let us use this great opportunity to help the sick, the weak and the poor who can not afford medical care or medications. Similarly, it is vital for us all to improve our health status by adapting to nutritious balanced diet and carrying out physical activities, even brisk walking.  

A brief report on CHB Activities:

Health Screening Project:

Following successful CHB pilot project for Health Screening launched in Dar Es Salaam, Arusha and Nairobi last year, Bukoba Jamaat has just completed theirs on 2^nd and 3^rd September 2006. Due to lack of medical facilities in Bukoba, CHB organized a team consisting of a senior doctor, a paramedic and a nurse from Dar Es Salaam who traveled to Bukoba to assist in the project. Thanks to Ebrahim Haji Health Centre Management for their support. The two days screening included lectures to the community members by the two CHB members, Dr. Iqbal Ali and Sister Sophia Bharwani, it was well attended. As part of health promotion incentive, Africa Federation has subsidized US$10 towards the cost of the screening for each member.

It must be recognized that Health Screening programmes are essentially important for early detection of chronic disorders like hypertension, diabetes, and heart diseases, equally important is screening for cancer, for example pap smear and mammography tests (breast and cervix cancer) for women from 45 years of age and Prostate Specific Antigen test (prostate cancer) for men from 50 years of age.

The responsibility is therefore upon the Jamaats, their Medical Boards to liaise with the CHB Representatives in their Jamaats to organize the screening. CHB will provide the support.

Bukoba Jamaat Screening Results:

CHB visit to India:

A team of three, led by the CHB Chairman with Dr. Jamil Merali and Mr. Raza Chandoo visited Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad in April/May 2006. Various meetings were held during the visit with the management of hospitals, medical institutions and specialists.

MOUs were signed with Madras Medical Mission (Heart Institute) and Sankara Nethralaya (Eye Institute) in Chennai. Agreements were concluded with Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad, Narayana Hrudayalaya (Heart Institute) in Bangalore and the Asian Heart Institute in Mumbai for special concessions to CHB patients. Other hospitals in Mumbai were also visited and discussions held with the management of Wokhardt, Seifi, Prince Alykhan, Breach Candy and Bhatia hospitals in Mumbai. A short visit was also made to Juslok and Harkisandas hospitals.

The team was joined by Br. Aunali Salehmohamed who was recently appointed the CHB Representative in India. As for Mumbai, Alhajj Mohibali D. Nasser of Imaan Foundation, an ardent supporter of the CHB for many years will continue to represent us in Mumbai.

During the same visit, agreements were renewed with Hotel Suba Palace in Colaba and Comfortinn Heritage (Hotel Heritage) in Byculla. CHB referred patients receive special discounts for room tariffs at these hotels. Arrangements are being made through the Good Health Care Services for special rates at Mogul Palace Hotel in Dongri.

Good Care Health Services – Mumbai:

CHB recently concluded an arrangement with the above mentioned service providing company. The company is owned and operated by two gentlemen who are from our community in Mumbai and provides various services to patients from different countries who travel to India for health check-up and medical treatment etc. The organization is 5 years old in this field.  

The arrangement covers wide range of services from initial scrutiny of medical reports by their appointed Physicians before the arrival of patients, to airport pick & drop, hotel and musafirkhana bookings, appointments with the specialists, accompanying the patients to diagnostic centres, specialists, hospitals, visiting the inpatients etc. Details were circulated through the CHB News Flash No. 2006/23 of 23^rd August 2006.  

Cardiac and Neurological Camps in Dar Es Salaam:

In the month of September 2006, two camps were held at Ebrahim Haji Health Centre organized jointly by CHB & CMB. The Cardiac camp was conducted by a renowned Interventional Cardiologist from Juslok Hospital in Mumbai, Dr. Shoaib Padaria and the Neurological camp by the senior Neuro Surgeon, Dr. Alok Ranjan from the Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad. A total of 48 members from our community took part in these two camps.  
 

Mombasa Jamaat Dispensary:

It is understood that the dispensary is still under construction. So far we have not received the latest progress report from Mombasa Jamaat; when received, we shall include it in our next News Bulletin. Jamaat is urged to submit regular reports.

Moshi Jamaat – Jeffery Dispensary: 

The last report received was included in the CHB Annual report presented at the Supreme Council session in Ngurudoto in April 2006. Following are some information available from the CHB records. Jamaat is urged to submit regular reports.

•           Dar Es Salaam Jamaat Medical Board (CMB) has donated 5 new Wheel Chairs to Moshi Jamaat Dispensary.

•          MAB of the WF has donated a used but in sound condition complete dental unit (Chair), to Moshi Jamaat Dispensary.

•          Africa Federation through the CHB has provided US$2,000 to Moshi Jamaat Dispensary for the installation of two split unit air conditioners required for the Lab. & Pharmacy/Store in the Dispensary.

Arusha Ithna-Asheri Charitable Hospital/Dispensary:

The last report received was included in the CHB Annual report presented at the Supreme Council session in Ngurudoto in April 2006. When a report is received from Arusha Jamaat, it shall be included in our next News Bulletin. Jamaat is urged to submit regular reports.

Dar Es Salaam Jamaat Health Centre/Dispensary:

During the Dar Es Salaam Jamaat biennial General Election in June 2006, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan was elected a Member of the Managing Committee of the Jamaat for two year’s term, and in July 2006 he was entrusted the Medical portfolio to head the Central Medical Board (CMB). One of the responsibilities of the CMB is to oversee the efficient running of Ebrahim Haji Health Centre and the K.S.I. Temeke Charitable Dispensary.

Following are the new Board Members of the CMB: 

• Aunali Khalfan – Chairman

• Raza Chandoo – Vice Chairman

• Arif F. Remtulla – Hon. Secretary

• Zainul M. Chandoo – Hon. Treasurer

• Kazim F. Keramali - Member

• Zulfikar Alimohamed – Member

• Bashir H. Walji – Member

• Hassanali Mohamed (Jimmy) - Member

The Board is currently focusing on the improvements plan, the face lift of the Ebrahim Haji Health Centre & the Temeke Dispensary, administration, customer services and upgrading the accounting system.
 

Following is the Vision of the CMB of Dar Es Salaam Jamaat.

The Vision

To be the best Charitable Health Centre in the country

Our goals/mission is to deliver the best for the benefit of patients, staff and the society we live in, through:

• Promoting health awareness for all with emphasis on preventative health care.

• Modernization of diagnostic equipment to provide the best, efficient & reliable results.  

• Providing the best, efficient and affordable medical services.

• Providing opportunity and training to staff for personal development and growth.

• Expanding/improving the existing facilities & infrastructures to acceptable standards.    

MAB of the World Federation:

CHB received a letter from Dr. Mohamed-Taki Walji that he was stepping down from his present position as the Chairman of MAB from this month. Dr. Walji, a well known personality in the World Federation circle and, more so in the medical social services. No doubt some of the members of our community, especially those who were very closely associated with him will feel the void. Dr. Walji has been the longest serving Chairman of MAB in the history of the World Federation, nearly 20 years at the helm. No doubt, there are those footprints of his endeavors in E. Africa that he leaves behind which shall remind us of Dr. Walji for many years to come. CHB wishes him and his family good health and all the best in his future endeavors.

Mini Health Screening for Dar Es Salaam Jamaat:

CHB will be assisting the CMB of Dar Es Salaam Jamaat in organizing the Mini Health Screening program for both, gents and ladies of our community in Dar Es Salaam during the holy month of Ramadhan. The underlying purpose of the program is to keep the community alert and health conscious, it will cover the following tests:-

• Blood Pressure

• Blood Glucose

• Height & Weight

• BMI 

Any abnormality noted will be referred for further investigations. Reports will be issued.

YEAR 2006 DEDICATED FOR THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST SMOKING:

Overwhelming medical and scientific research concludes that cigarette smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema and other serious diseases in smokers. Smokers are far more likely to develop serious diseases, like lung cancer, than nonsmokers. There is no "safe" cigarette.

We welcome views, opinions or interesting articles on health care and medical from our community members throughout the world. Please send these to; The Hon. Secretary, Mr. Mohsin R. Manji email: mohsinmanji@gmail.com

With Salaams and Duas,

Editor

CHB News Bulletin

Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

“Community’s health – CHB’s priority”