AIMA Victoria inaugural meeting was held on Sunday 23 July at Hotel Grand Chancellor, being the first meeting since Australian Islamic Medical Association (AIMA) and Muslim Health professional Australia (MHPA) merger took place a few weeks earlier.
Zuhur prayer was offered in Congregation followed by official start of the meeting with the recitation of the Holy Quran with translation by Br Human Maki, AIMA Victoria Vice president.
Dr Ashraf Chehata, VP, AIMA Victoria gave a talk on “Embracing Spirituality and Professional Integrity in clinical practice.”
He spoke about the Islamic perspective on professionalism, honesty and integrity of the healthcare professionals. He also talked about the rights of the patients with reference to the teachings of the Holy Quran and traditions of Prophet Muhammad (s) . This was RACGP accredited activity.
Jasmin Dabboucy, VP, AIMA Victoria and Shiraz Mahkri, VP, AIMA Victoria presented the excellent work done by MHPA during COVID-19.
This also included education about Palliative Care services, advocacy work and other work. Jasmin and Shiraz were ex-presidents of MHPA.
Yousuf Syed, Secretary, AIMA Victoria presented a report regarding the work AIMA Victoria has done for last few years.
This includes regular Life savers program at Multiple mosques and Islamic Centers, providing CPR and defibrillators training and blood donation drives in association with Australian Red cross Lifeblood.
Dr Muhammad Kahloon, Canberra based urologist, National President, AIMA gave a keynote speech on aims, objectives and need for a Muslim health care professional organization.
He also emphasized the importance of unity among the Muslim health care professionals in order to inspire them to serve the community.
Yusuf Hassan, President AIMA Student wing presented a report on work done for mentoring and guidance of students and young doctors. 
Dr Habib Bhurawala, Sydney based paediatrician, clinical associate Professor and National Vice president, AIMA, talked about strategic planning for AIMA, including what AIMA has planned to offer for our future health care professionals, like mentoring and career guidance.
He presented a brief report about programs in NSW organized by AIMA students and JMO where a night before, large numbers of AIMA mentors gave advice for future, work life balance, faith and medicine.
AIMA introductory videos and National TV footage for blood donation drive and lifesavers were played.
Jasmin Dabboucy, VP, AIMA Victoria and Humam Maki were the MC’s. The meeting was chaired by AIMA Victoria President, Justin Brown, Clinical Associate professor pediatrics at Monash University.
Justin Brown, gave vote of thanks, emphasized the importance of unity and re-iterated that both organizations share the same aims and objective. This commonality led to AIMA/MHPA merger.
He also informed the audience about further processes involved in winding up of MHPA.
Organizers thanked Muhammad Kahloon, Habib Bhurawala and Muhammad Ashraf National, secretary for their travel and time to attend the meeting in person.
They also thanked Dr Amjad Saqib, a Pakistani Nobel Prize nominee and Director Akhuwat program, a charity organization giving interest free loans in Pakistan.
He was kind enough to attend the meeting despite having a busy schedule for his visit to Australia.
Meeting was officially closed with beautiful dua by Sharif Kalladka followed by a Buffett Lunch.
Attendees were given the opportunity to ask questions about AIMA and meet other like-minded health care professionals, who were just as passionate about looking after their community.
Overall, the meeting emphasized AIMA’s dedication to its goals, leaving participants inspired and motivated to support the Muslim community.
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