Islamic Medical Association of South Africa (IMASA)

Islamic Medical Association of South Africa (IMASA)

In the  early 1970's, a few Muslim doctors, noting with concern the disparate health services under the Apartheid government of South Africa, embarked upon the establishment of the modest Sunday clinic at Braemar on the South Coast of Natal. This was to cater for the needs of a black rural community which had virtually no access to any form of health services. The initial name of the group was "Lajnatul Atibba" (Doctors Committee) and it served as the forerunner for the formation of the IMA in 1980.

The aims and objectives of the IMA which were formulated in 1980 are listed below:

• To promote a better understanding and appreciation of Islam and of Medicine within the framework of Islam.

• To constantly remind and educate the Muslim health care professionals of the Islamic value, morality, etiquette and ethics and to apply these in the health care sector.

• To promote professional and non-professional contact among Muslim health care professionals at all levels through activities such as meetings, dinners, seminars, guest speakers and conventions.

• To seek affiliation to medical institutions through professional co-operation.

• To co-operate with other organizations on matters of mutual interest.

• To orientate health education with Islamic values and outlook in the application of patient care.

• To promote research and publications in the field of Islamic medical history, prophetic medicine, Islamic medical ethics and Medicine in general from the Islamic viewpoint.

• To be a mercy unto mankind in the Prophetic tradition by providing necessary assistance within our scope and capability and whatever needed in the form of clinics, relief work and rehabilitation.

• To co-ordinate the relevant group and individual activities of Muslim health care professionals.

• To have a central information bureau as a service to the members regarding employment opportunities, exchange programmes, scholarship and graduate and under-graduate training opportunities.

• To establish libraries for the use of the members and others who may wish to use them.