Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) is a Pakistani doctors association established in October 1979.[1]
History
The organization dates back to 1979, when fifty doctors from all over Pakistan met at the Student’s Teacher’s Center (STC) of the Punjab University, Lahore, in October. They laid down the foundation of an organization named Pakistan Doctors Forum (PDF), a fraternity of the medical profession. The PDF carried on its mission for two years, initially emphasizing organizational work and the membership drive.[2] In April 1981, during a PDF convention in Rawalpindi, the organization was renamed the 'Pakistan Islamic Medical Association' (PIMA). PIMA is an active member of the Federation of Islamic Medical Association (FIMA), an international forum for collaboration of all Islamic medical associations around the globe. In the journey through 25 years, PIMA strives to provide a forum for Muslim medical professionals to use their profession to help people in need and to provide relief to oppressed humanity in Pakistan and around the globe.
Activities
Since its inception, PIMA has been striving to achieve its goals in the professional development and training of doctors while promoting an Islamic way of life through its regular Dawah, training workshops and seminars. PIMA relief has consistently been at the forefront during national and global disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, cyclones, and wars.[3] PIMA has established medical institutions of international repute, contributing to quality medical, dental and allied specialties.
Through its regular contribution to health awareness, education and community services, PIMA has made efforts intended at improving the health of the masses. PIMA health institutions, such as hospitals, clinics, free medical camps and specialized campaigns, seek to alleviate the suffering of those who were otherwise not cared for. PIMA has developed specialized expertise in managing disasters of all sorts, whether artificial or natural. The Prevention of Blindness Trust,[4] a key PIMA project, provides services for the prevention of blindness both in Pakistand and internationally. PIMA established projects of international repute in collaboration with FIMA,[5] such as the Consortium of Islamic Medical Colleges (CIMCO), Islamic Hospital Consortium (IHC), FIMA Save Vision,[6] FIMA Save Dignity and many other projects. Mega projects, such as Peshawar Medical College and Mega Pharmaceutical Industry are some of their achievements that serve the community at large.
