NHS Heroes within the Dawoodi Bohra Community
Over the course of the last year, through three national lockdowns and countless hospitalisations, and with a population that grew scared of the simple act of human touch, the NHS staff have become a guiding light. These heroes have shed blood, sweat and tears for each patient, demonstrating a passion for their work, and willingness to risk their own lives and wellbeing for the safety of others and this country.
Words are not enough to express the gratitude that we all feel for their work. Here, we highlight a few of the NHS staff from the Dawoodi Bohra community who have been tirelessly working on the frontline throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Each member has shared a significant challenge and some practical advice to the general public – in the hope that those reading this will have a glimpse of what the pandemic has been like for medical staff across the world.
Display of gratitude from the Dawoodi Bohras
Dr Lubaina Bahar
an Intensive Care Doctor for Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Dr Tasneem Katawala
Consultant Anaesthetist for Epsom and St Helier Hospital NHS Trust, Surrey
Dr Aliasgar Jivanjee
General Practitioner for The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust
“The biggest challenge for me was updating the families of the diseased and deceased on the phone – this took a heavy toll on our mental health.”
Dr Lubaina Bahar
Dr Siraj Natalwala
Erosurgeon/Hon Senior Lecturer for University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
Dr Hatim Cochin
FY2-Junior Doctor for Hull and East Yorkshire NHS Trust
Dr Saifuddin Ezzy
Diabetes and Endocrinologist Consultant and General Physician for Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust
“COVID-19 has caused disruption to the normal training schedule of junior doctors. There has been a mass redeployment of junior doctors to COVID wards to help tackle the pressures caused by the virus.”
Dr Hatim Cochin
Dr Mariya Molai
Speciality doctor in Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology for Hull University and Teaching Hospitals
Dr Ahmed Ali Master
Works for Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundation NHS Trust
Dr Yusuf Rangoonwala
Consultant Psychiatrist for Bradford District Care NHS Trust
“The most challenging part I found was always thinking about the risk of transmitting the virus not only to myself and patients but to my family back home. Despite all the challenges, I always felt my faith was protecting me.”
Dr Ahmed Ali Master
Dr Hozefa Ebrahim
Consultant leading the Intensive Care Unit for Heartlands Hospital (part of University Hospitals Birmingham)
Tasneem Salem
Clinical Hospital Midwife for University Hospitals Leicester NHS Trust
Dr Turabali Maimoon
General Practitioner with special interest in ENT Surgery for Reservoir Road Surgery Erdington Birmingham
“My experience as a Midwife during the COVID-19 pandemic has been extremely challenging and humbling. The most challenging aspect was when partners were not allowed to come into hospital when women were in labour – many partners missed seeing their babies being born. “
Tasneem Salem
Dr Yasmeen Musekhan
Speciality Doctor in A&E for Princess Royal Hospital NHS Trust
Dr Hussein Nadiadi
Emergency Medicine doctor for Surrey and Sussex NHS Trust
Dr Rashida Damanwala
Advanced Physiotherapist for University College Hospital
“Have faith. COVID is a condition that has changed our lives forever in many ways – good and bad. It’s up to us which one we want to focus on and carry with us to the future, the good parts or the bad! I choose to carry the good and important bits – family, friends, faith, kindness, love, compassion and gratitude.”
Dr Rashida Damanwala
Dr Husain Shakir
Senior Paediatric Registrar for Leicester Royal Infirmary / University Hospitals of Leicester
Samina Shamsuddin
Paediatric Occupational Therapist for London North West University Healthcare Trust
Mustafa Musaji
Senior Clinical Pharmacist (ACP Trainee)
” For all those parents, guardians, children and young individuals, speak to each other; sharing your burdens will make them easier to carry.”
Dr Husain Shakir
