CIDRA unveils plan for 200-bed hospital for poor patients

Nagpur: The Central India Doctors' Association (CIDRA), a body of prominent doctors from the Muslim Community, has revealed its plan to set up a 200-bed multi-speciality hospital which will provide high-quality and affordable treatment to the unprivileged section of society.

The proposed multi-specialty hospital, to be built on at least an acre of land in the city, will be exclusively dedicated to serving poor patients by offering medical and emergency services. The association proposed this plan in response to the struggles that financially weaker sections often face in accessing expensive medical healthcare.

Due to their limited financial means, many underprivileged individuals rely heavily on donations and external funding for medical treatment and medications. Community NGOs and religious organisations frequently receive several requests for assistance with costly healthcare, surgeries, and medicines, but are often unable to meet the growing demand.

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To help these people get proper, affordable and quality treatment, CIDRA has planned a multi-speciality hospital in the city. The group of city doctors including faculty members from government medical colleges and public health department officials under the banner of CIDRA (Central India Doctors' Association) also helped uplift madrassa kids, sponsoring educational expenses of poor and needy, holding special camps in neglected areas and conducting free of cost surgeries and treatment among others.

Speaking in this regard, Adv Asif Qureshi said, "The notable members of the community have already pledged a handsome amount to support the new hospital idea."

The announcement came during the installation ceremony of CIDRA’s new executive team, held at a city hotel on Sunday.

The new team comprises Dr Riyaz Aamir, a well-known dermatologist, as president, physician Dr Asif Qureshi as secretary and Dr Meraj Sheikh as treasurer, vice-president Dr Ehtesham Kazmi, joint secretaries Dr Zubair Quazi, Dr Lubna Haq and Dr Deeba Faisal and regional coordinator Dr Shizan Parvez. Dr Mustafa Ali was declared president-elect. Adv Asif Qureshi was the chief guest while Dr Shameem Khan and Dr Juzar Fidvi were guests of honour. Dr Asim Inamdar recited verses from the Quran at the start. Renowned cardiologist Dr Aziz Khan was honoured with a lifetime achievement award.

Previously, a year ago, the association started a simple initiative where each doctor promised to give one consultation fee every month to help fund medical care for poor and needy people. They were also successful in achieving this goal.

As per a TOI news report, Dr Riyaz Aamir, during the ceremony, said, "Cidra is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to social and charitable causes. The vision is to uplift society through medical philanthropy, financial assistance for education and public awareness."

This year, Dr Riyaz Aami put forth the vision of strengthening medical philanthropy by planning to establish a state-of-the-art hospital which will provide excellent healthcare to all strata of society. Apart from this, Dr Aamir said, tackling the menace of drug abuse and drug trafficking is also the goal of CIDRA.

Outgoing team members, including Dr Shafeeq Hadi and Dr Rizwan Haq, said their tenure has been fruitful with several fundings and medical treatment done for the poor patients.

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