Media Release

Dubai, Feb 1: Pioneers of excellence in healthcare were saluted by their peers for their considerable achievements and contributions towards innovation and development, at the annual arab health achievement and innovation awards 2013.

The highlight of the award ceremony was the award for the “outstanding contribution of an individual to the middle east healthcare industry”. This was awarded to Dr Zulekha Daud, managing director Zulekha Healthcare Group for her relentless service, vision and growth of her institutions in all areas of medical care.

On receiving this award Dr Zulekha said, “it’s a great honor to be recognized for this award and my aim was to provide easy accessibility to high quality healthcare for the common man. As it’s my mission, ‘am happy that to a great extent I have been able to achieve this, in terms of medical, paramedical, specialized services etc. I must say, for which I have been receiving excellent support from the rulers of UAE”.

There is compassion or perhaps a mantra in Dr Zulekha’s brand of care, which has been benefiting innumerous patrons since almost half a century and has had a lasting impact in the region. In her own words, “Beyond the technology, besides the specialists, something more is there – the magic of a caring touch”.  It is that charisma and quality that made others fondly call her as ‘Mama Zulekha’ and leads the Zulekha group to the zenith of excellence in healthcare.

The journey of this excellence began in the early 1960’s when Dr Zulekha Daud came to the UAE, after completing her medical degree from the Government Medical College in Nagpur.

It was her father, Sadiq Vali advised her to go to the  Gulf as the need for medical support was more here, she choose UAE over a lucrative job opening in the UK to help people in the deep need of medical treatment through her medical practices. Then, in the 1960’s, UAE was a vast expanse of desert without any electricity and medical facilities were rudimentary to say the least.

But despite all these unfavorable conditions Dr. Zulekha decided to stay on and serve the people with a rare display of selfless dedication. Since in those days there were no hospitals, she had to travel door to door even for normal delivery. With her dedicated service, she was able to capture the hearts of the nationals and expatriates.

In her humble words, “what I did was nothing greater than the need for medical attention I borrowed strength from this overwhelming need of the people of this country.”

Even today Dr Zulekha wears the same spirit and passion to serve people with their medical problems. Even though these days her involvement is largely administration with her baby, the hospital, the 73-year-old woman never felt tired or consumed by her work. Being at work always been uplifts her soul. It is the responsibility to honour the trust that people have put in her and their love motivates her.

A dedicated doctor who single handedly took her commitment across the many levels of services, Dr Zulekha is synonymous to care and compassion. The arduous journey of this first lady doctor in this country represents a story of strength and determination, and inspires many women who can be capable of so much more than they deem possible.

The Arab Health Exhibition is the region's premier event for the Middle East bringing together healthcare manufacturers, wholesalers, dealers and distributors together with some of the most important and influential decision-makers in the Arab world. The exhibition is generally viewed as a must-attend global event in the healthcare calendar.

In order to provide the perfect opportunity for healthcare professionals and companies to network and recognize excellence in the Arab World, the Arab health innovation and achievement awards distributed alongside the Arab Health Show.

Award winners were announced and presented during a prestigious Gala Dinner on Tuesday 29 January at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Dubai.

This awards ceremony was attended by more than 500 leading healthcare professionals and companies, speakers and attendees of Arab Health Congress, senior government officials and special VIP industry guests.