Story of first woman doctor of UAE Gynaecologist Dr Zulekha Daud

Published On 2021-03-14 03:30 GMT | Update On 2021-03-14 03:30 GMT

New Delhi: Popularly known as Mama Zulekha, gynaecologist Dr Zulekha Daud became the first woman doctor in the United Arab Emirates inspiring female doctors through her incredible journey.

Dr Zulekha completed her medical education from Nagpur and went to the Middle East in 1962 to serve at the Kuwaiti mission Hospital. Her husband Dr Iqbal Daud who is also a medical practitioner accompanied her as he also secured a job there.

Also Read:SN Medical College Prof Dr Prashant Prakash bags API Oration Award for 2021

After two years, she got invited to deliver her service in Sharjah and thus became the first-ever female doctor to serve in the Arab Emirates. As per a recent media report in the Times of India, today at the age of 81, she is still serving at her office at the Zulekha Healthcare group in Sharjah. She set up the first Zulekha Hospital in 1992 and presently zulekha healthcare group has several super speciality hospitals in Dubai and Sharjah. Apart from establishing several multi-speciality hospitals, pharmacies, and medical centres across the UAE, she also built a vocational training centre in Nagpur from where she completed her medical education.

Dr Zulekha has delivered over 10,000 babies so far. She has become the founder of a large hospital chain and recognized as one of the most influential women entrepreneurs of UAE. During the pandemic, she remained committed to her cause of providing essential support to the healthcare industry and always considered the human aspect of medical care. She has achieved a lot of recognition and awards and the UAE government honoured her for five decades of valuable service in the healthcare sector, reports TOI.

The Indian government also recognized her efforts by honouring her with Pravasi Samman in 2019. However, she still continues to live a simple and independent lifestyle. The paths towards her success were not very smooth, she told Times of India, "When I first came here things were different. There were hardly any doctors, no good medicine or equipment at our disposal. Even roads and other infrastructure were poor. We had to rely on our own expertise and experience to treat patients."

When asked why did not she consider leaving the difficult life and returning to India, the doctor answered that it was her patients that made her stay. She further added, "There used to two rooms full of women patients who I needed to see every day, they needed my care." "For my patients, the doctors are a lifeline and I like to put them ahead of everything in my life. Many of them need financial support and for me giving them a helping hand when they need it most is important," stated the doctor.

Article Source : with inputs

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Sanchari Chattopadhyay

Sanchari Chattopadhyay has pursued her M.A in English and Culture Studies from the University of Burdwan, West Bengal. She likes observing cultural specificities and exploring new places.

Comments Policy

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Story of first woman doctor of UAE Gynaecologist Dr Zulekha Daud

Similar News

Caught on camera: GMC Srinagar 3rd year PG medico slapped by patient's attendant

Indian-origin Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Anwar Sadath Passes Away in Dubai

NMC draft scraps Rs 2.5 lakh fee for medical qualification recognition, invites comments

GMC Manjeri resident doctor allegedly commits suicide, depression suspected

AIIMS Patna Gynaecology medico suicide: Doctors blame Excessive Workload, demand enforcement of duty hour regulations

United Doctors Front announces National Core Committee for 2025-26

Jharkhand appoints 126 Specialist doctors through lowest honorarium bids

Faculty uproar over temporary deputation to Baramati Medical College