US Congresswoman Lauds Muslim Healthcare Professionals For Pandemic Heroism 

CMMA and CIOGC Felicitate Muslim Healthcare Professionals for Covid 19 Role

Chicago, April 14: Congresswoman Marie Newman lauded the efforts of Muslim healthcare professionals and appreciated their contributions to the healthcare system during the Covid 19 pandemic. Speaking during a felicitation program organized by the Chicago Muslim Medical Alliance (CMMA) and Council of Islamic Organization of Greater Chicago (CIOGC) at Shalimar Banquets on Thursday evening, the Congresswoman thanked the “healthcare heroes for taking care of people during the pandemic.” She appreciated the work of CMMA  and CIOGC and fervently expressed that as a community we are one and must take care of each other.

“I appreciate the Muslim frontline workers and all healthcare workers in general”, she added.

The CMMA organized a grand felicitation program to honor frontline workers and healthcare professionals who played lead roles in the fight against Covid 19 and went to extraordinary lengths to provide healthcare support to those in need. Several doctors who relentlessly sacrificed their time, and put duty before the family were honored on this occasion. Speakers paid rich tributes while remembering the sacrifices of those doctors and nurses who lost their lives treating the Covid patients.

It is pertinent to mention that congresswoman Marie Newman who belongs to the District 3 of Illinois state, was among US representatives who supported the Combating International Islamophobia Act in collaboration with Muslim Member of the Parliament Ilham Omar.  

Consul General of Pakistan in Chicago Tariq Karim while briefly addressing the gathering on this occasion, said “the contributions of healthcare professionals and frontline workers during  the covid 19 are commendable”. He also appreciated the cooperation and support of the medical fraternity including healthcare organizations like the CMMA and CIOGC among others during the Covid 19 pandemic.

Speaking on the occasion,  Chicago’s leading oncologist and Founder of CMMA Dr Tajammul Hussain, urged the community members and doctors to be generous in discharge of their duties. He said “if one part of the community is globally affected,  there are issues, they’re are problems and even the privileged suffer.  He called upon social activists, philanthropists and community members for a combined effort to work on a mental health program. 

“Several American doctors who attended the event lauded the organization for its yoemen services. A good number of doctors and the CEO of a leading hospital has come forward to extend a helping hand to us. Healthcare is a major problem that can be addressed with not just skills but an overwhelming empathy and compassion towards the patient”, he said.

Dr Jawad Shah, renowned neurosurgeon who acquired the Mercy Hospital (now rechristened as Insight Hospital) for $1 said that Insight Hospital is glad to be able to support these organizations and accommodate healthcare requests once again. Insight Hospital has started its emergency and ambulance services and has treated nearly 25000 since it was acquired, he said.

Dr Jawad Shah appreciated the staff and volunteers for working together to make the hospital operational after a long time.

Earlier, Ms Tony Preckwinkle, Cook Country President who led the county during the pandemic thanked the health care professionals.  “I’m particularly grateful to the CMMA and all the healthcare professionals.  I want to express my appreciation on behalf of all the people of Cook county”, she said.

CMMA cofounder Dr Shakaib said the organization collaborated with several healthcare organizations and individuals to provide healthcare support, and distribute food grains to poor and homeless people with the help of police departments and youth. In March, the CMMA extended educational support to African American students through financial scholarships. He condemned the oppression of minorities anywhere in the world.

Dr Baseer Qasi, Dr Imran Shaikh for his exemplary services in the Intensive Care Unit, Dr Mohammed Shahzad for continuing physical consultations even during peak pandemic, Dr Lal Malani for closely monitoring Covid 19 patients with exemplary empathy, Dr Danish, Dr Masarath Bala and Dr Zaahir Sehloun among others were felicitated on this occasion. 

Awards were also presented to healthcare workers with outstanding contributions to the community in the time of the pandemic. 

A large gathering of Indian diaspora in the United States along with native Americans and some Arabs came together for this event. Congressional candidate Junaid Ahmed who is running for Illinoi’s 8th,  Founder of DarusSalam Islamic Center Dr Mizbahuddin, Indian Muslim Relief and Charities (IMRC) President Mr Maqsod Quadri, Vice President of Hanmi Bank Ashfaq Syed, Kader Saccakaria, Islamic scholars, community elders, Indian and American doctors, and social activists also participated in the event. 

Dr Abdullah presented a vote of thanks while Shaikh Mohammed Amin concluded the program with Islamic invocations followed by Iftar and a dinner spread with Hyderabadi cuisine.