Friday 19 April 2013

The Santhi Nursing College in Omassery, near Calicut, India, which was financed by Prince Sultan Charitable Foundation, Islamic Development Bank Group, and Sheikh Yousuf Abdul Latif Jameel, was opened recently in a ceremony attended by Ahmed Roomi, special envoy of the Saudi Ambassador Saud Al-Sati, and other dignitaries. Addressing the attendees, Roomi commended the Islamic Welfare Trust (IWT) in Omassery for its charitable and humanitarian activities. Aside from the nursing college, the IWT runs a number of philanthropic institutions including a 350-bed Santhi Hospital.

"I am extremely delighted to attend this function," said Roomi while explaining the importance Islam conferred upon charitable activities. He also called upon all communities and organizations to cooperate with IWT in its endeavors for the welfare of society. Meanwhile, Ahmed Mohamad Ali, president of IDB, congratulated the IWT for its achievements in completing social projects for the local community, in a private message sent to OP Abdussalam, chairman of the trust. The Santhi Institute of Medical Science and Research Center was inaugurated by T. Arif Ali, president of Jamaat-e-Islami in Kerala, who emphasized the role of NGOs in providing health care and education to the public at affordable rates.

The Jamaat chief applauded the trust members and their supporters, while urging nursing college students to take care of their patients efficiently and sincerely upholding moral and humanitarian values. Abdul Rahman Tharuvay, the driving force behind IWT, thanked IDB, Prince Sultan Foundation and Sheikh Yousuf Jameel for their support. "We would like to expand our humanitarian services with the support of philanthropists. There are currently 15 dialysis units at Santhi Hospital offering services to 125 kidney patients," he said.

Zafar Javeed, convener of IDB's central panel in Hyderabad, wished every success to IWT's future projects, which include a medical college, an eye specialty hospital and an institute of alternate medicine and rehabilitation. Sheikh Muhammad Jassem Kalban, chairman of Kalban Group in the UAE, opened the nursing college hostel while Omar Master and PTA Raheem, members of the legislative assembly in Kerala, launched the Peace Valley Auditorium and Digital Library.

© Arab News 2013