Congratulations!

IMAN Congratulates two of its active Medical Student members,

DR. ANGELIE DUGASAN and DR. ZHAMIR UMAG

for successfully making it to the AUGUST 2010 Roster of New Physicians!

Alhamdulillah!

A blessed Month of Ramadhan for you both and to all

Muslim Physicians who made it.

National Commission on Muslim Filipinos invites IMAN on Independence Day

June 12 2010 --- In celebration of the National Independence Day, the Office of Muslim Affairs (OMA) officially announced its transition as the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF). By participating in the national event held at the Luneta Grandstand from June 12-13, NCMF through Mr. Abdulbadi Radzak, invited IMAN's physicians to assist in providing free medical consultations. Together with the Asia America Initiatives headed by Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman, who provides free medical supplies for outreach missions, and NCMF's medical and allied health professionals, the 2-day medical mission became a success.

Among those invited by IMAN to join the medical team were the University of the Philippines-Association of Medical Students (UP-AMS) headed by medical student Bin Rashid Chin.

Dr. Nadhira Mangondato, Dr. Ayeshalinda Alonto, Dr. Salma Sumndad and Dr. Naheeda Dimacisil-Mustofa were among IMAN members present. President Dr. Abdel Jeffri Abdulla also came to assess the teams in the said event despite hectic schedules.

NCMF, together with more than 100 other government agencies including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, showcased their own booths and national programs in the Independence Day affair.

Ondoy Med Missions (2009)

Reminiscing the disastrous Ondoy flashfloods last year,IMAN would like to share with you its experience during the medical missions at Brgy. Tumana, Marikina City and Brgy. Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City with the assistance of Barangay Officials, Greenhills Traders Association, and muslim womens' groups such as An-Nisa and Ijtihad.

These medical missions were spearheaded by IMAN BOD Dr Guiaria Camarudin and Membership Committee Secretary Dr Nadhira Mangondato together with
other volunteers from IMAN, YMPN, and other muslim NGOs.

Not included in this album are other medical missions where IMAN members
have participated in their respective institutions and medical societies in and around Manila and Laguna.

Madina physician meets with IMAN members

Naheeda M Dimacisil MD
9-14-2009

Before Ramadhan started last August 22 2009, an informal gathering on Islamic Principles in Medicine was held at UP Manila with Dermatopathologist, Dr Alauddin Qadri, as guest speaker. Dr Qadri, an Indian national who joined more than 10 professionals from different countries to visit the Philippines for tabligh and dawah, expressed his appreciation of IMAN’s establishment.

Dr Qadri who has been based in Madinah for more than 10 years already, graduated from Taibah University and is a member of both the Saudi Dermatological Society and the Indian Association of Pathology. He has trained in skin pathology in Germany and has lectured on several religious dialogues for physicians.

Sharing thoughts on physician-patient relationship, he quoted a famous hadith on visiting the sick and attending to patients. Emphasizing on the role of physicians, he believes that “patients become the avenue for doctors to gain more blessings from Allah” and that as Muslim physicians, we should constantly renew our intentions of directing our services towards pleasing the Almighty alone.

When asked by an IMAN member on pharmaceutical company sponsorships, he noted that a taqwa or ruling has been made in Madina that any excessive or luxurious offer by some companies for doctors who are being requested to speak on a novel but unproven drug should be avoided. On the other hand, Dr Qadri agrees with sponsorships for conventions and other events related to advancement in medical education such as research and clinical guidelines. The Philippine Medical Association, under Dr Melchor Santos’ current leadership, is gradually implementing regulations to avoid any bias in medical management through regulation of pharmaceutical sponsorships as well.

The visiting Muslim professionals also held a forum on Islamic principles among students at the Ateneo de Manila University during the same month through Atty Rasol Mitmug Jr.

Among those who attended the forum were Dr Sherjan Kalim, Dr Mohammad Al-Moqtader Abedin, Dr Naheeda Dimacisil, Dr Nadhira Mangondato, Intern Norbaida Dipantar and former UP AMS President Angelie Dugasan.

Cotabato flashfloods displace thousands

Naheeda M Dimacisil MD

August 5 2009

Over 80 thousand families were displaced upon the arrival of supertyphoon Jolina in Cotabato City and nearby provinces last July. Evacuation centers are still filled with residents coming from over 30 barangays. According to IMAN Board of Director, Dr Guiaria Camarudin, 35 out of 37 Barangays in Cotabato City have been affected by the flashfloods. Relief operations have started since last week and Mayor Muslimen Sema with family had to join banca rides to distribute relief goods to residents.

Long postponement of classes in public schools add to the
burden of thousands due to flashfloods

(In above Photo: Dr Guiaria Camarudin (extreme Right) with other physicians
assess and distribute goods to flood victims)

Among the physicians who continually assist evacuees and flood victims are Drs. Ibrahim Pangato, Zul Qarneyn Abas, Shiela Farisha Mangelen and others from ARMM and Region 12.
Dr. Camarudin has called the attention of both IMAN and the Young Moro Professionals Network in conducting donation drives for the affected residents. It is hoped that Muslim residents will be able to recover the soonest possible time in preparation for the upcoming Ramadhan this August. As of now, there are over 4000 families still staying at evacuation centers.

IMAN is currently accepting donations for the flood victims. Donations may be in the form of goods or in kind and may be forwarded to Dr Abdel Jeffri Abdulla, Professor in Anatomy, UP College of Medicine in Manila or through emailing us at imanphil@yahoo.com

DOH approves use of hijab among Muslim women

Naheeda M Dimacisil MD

Manila- Due to the increasing number of nursing students being asked to remove their veils or hijab during duties in certain hospitals in the country, IMAN-Islamic Medical Association of the Philippines (IMAN) appealed to the Department of Health (DOH) through Sec. Francisco Duque III to allow its use in institutions. In April 29, 2009, DOH released a memo on "Strengthening the Protection of Religious Rights of Muslim workers, including but not limited to Students and Trainees in health facilities."

Dr Sherjan Kalim, Vice President of IMAN, initiated the drafting of the request since last year. Although some Muslim students in the country do not wear the hijab strictly, it has become a growing concern for those who practice the modest attire in their workplaces.

The DOH Memo 2009-0107 specifically states that "muslim female workers should be allowed to use their veil (hijab) and wear their prescribed mode of dressing inside the premises of all healthcare institutions, especially, in areas such as the wards, operating room, intensive care units and burn units, among others."

Recently, a student leader in Zamboanga City has reported three institutions did not acknowledge the DOH Memo. A continuous need to enlighten leaders among these centers is needed.

It is but important to note that this is not the first time an approval on this religious right has been recognized. In 2001, the late Sen. Raul Roco who was then Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DepEd) Secretary released an order allowing all Muslim women to wear the hijab in schools even in Physical Education classes; and that "muslim students shall not be required to participate in non-muslim religious rites."

Another memorandum from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) approved by Dr Nona Ricafort in 2008 was given to all nursing training schools stating that "due respect and utmost consideration on the wearing of veils by Muslim female nursing students" be given.

IMAN, led by UP Professor Dr Abdel Jeffri Abdulla, encourages all female muslims not to fear practicing their right to religion especially while in the field of pursuing educational advancement. The hijab, which is a recommended garment for muslim ladies as stated in the Holy Qur'an, only intends to uphold modesty, protection, and respect for all women.

Bangsamoro Medical Society holds Tuli Mission in Cotabato

As part of Islamic traditions and health advocacy projects, Summer Tuli missions are regularly being held in most Muslim communities nationwide. The Bangsamoro Medical Society, which started
in Cotabato almost at the same time IMAN was established, spearheaded a
free circumcision in Markadz Sulaytiyn in Brgy. Kakar Poblacion 8, Cotabato City last May 23 2009.

IMAN Board of Directors Dr Sherjan Kalim, a Pathologist;Pediatrician Dr Mohammad Amil and wife OB-Gyne specialist Dr Sweet Almira Amil were able to serve almost 20 yatims and kids with the help of nursing graduates and students led by Mrs. Carol Piang, an OR nurse and wife to ENT Specialist Dr. Piang. Dr Guiaria Camarudin, one of the most active medical students during her time in Fatima University and also an IMAN Board Member, also supported the event through medical supplies.

Last year, IMAN was able to help around 100 kids in Maharlika Taguig receive free surgical
services through the assistance of its local barangay and volunteer nursing students from
Univ. of Perpetual Help Laguna and members of the Young Moro Professionals Network (YMPN).

Dr. Abdel Jeffri Abdulla (2nd from left) with Mrs. Abdulla and Dr Sherjan Kalim
in last year's Surgical Mission in Taguig together with IMAN officers & members,
UP-Association of Muslim Students representatives
& other volunteers

The Bangsamoro Medical Society (BMS) aims to become one of IMAN's component societies soon.

To learn more about BMS, please contact Dr Sherjan Kalim at the Department of Laboratories in Cotabato Regional Hospital or send SMS - 09176035443. nmdimacisil@gmail.com