“IAMA CF’s 2023 Gala, A Celebration of Unity, and Togetherness”: Deen

by Jatinder Singh Bedi, Chief Editor, Hello NRI

CHICAGO – Chicago’s eminent women leader and health professional Nusrat Deen says that a united community can deliver wonders when it comes to establishing community institutions. Nusrat cited the Chicago-located IAMA Charitable Foundation (IAMA CF)’s Free Health Clinic as an example. She was speaking at IAMA CF’s Annual Gala on 20 May 2023.

At the Gala, organized under the leadership of Nusrat Deen Ahmed and Suneela Harsoor, md, the IAMA CF acknowledged philanthropic contributions and achievements of Chicago’s leading physicians. Tariq Bhatt, Brij Malani, Asok K Ray, and Ashutosh Gupta were honored them with its ‘Life Time Achievement’ Award. The three have not only played a significant role in building Chicago’s Indian community, but also helped establishing IAMA CF Free Health Clinic to benefit the uninsured needy and the underserved individuals.

While expressing gratitude, Nusrat Deen called for community’s unified effort in supporting the community causes like the IAMA CF Free Clinic. She defined the Gala, a celebration of “power of unity, and [of] the impact of togetherness.”

 “…our collective effort has the power to transform lives and build better future; and, address the health inequalities that exist in our nation,” Nusrat Deen Ahmed stated.

Prominent amongst the attendees included Satya Ahuja, md, Virendra Bisla, md, Manish Brahambhatt, md, Dr Sanjay Patel, md, Vijay Prabhakar, Azazuddin Ahmed, md, Ms Santosh Kumar, and others.

It need be mentioned that at the IAMA Charitable Foundation’s Free Clinic the patients meet medical students. According to its website, these students “conduct initial patient encounter” and then “call in attending physician for final assessment and plan.” This Clinic on the Peterson Avenue opens 3 days a week: on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. “The number of days are soon going to increase to four; and, within six months to five days,” IAMA CF’s Kishore Chugh informed.

Speaking to the Hello NRI, Dr Lalitha Darbha informed that an extensive outreach is underway to engage new members of physician fraternity to upgrade services at the Clinic. Dr Lalitha Darbha is from IAMA CF’s Advocacy and Policy Committee. She recently led IAMA CF Delegation to Illinois State Legislative Assembly where they presented a memorandum to State Rep Kevin John Olickal; and, during this visit also engaged State Senator Ram Villivalam, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.

Suneela Harsoor, md, in her speech narrated the importance of the IAMA CF Clinic and the services that it offers. She thanked the donors and assured them that the Clinic is multiplying the service-value of each dollar donated. She informed of the plan to increase the Clinic working days. She paid rich tributes to Late Usha Nimmagadda who, in her lifetime, was a prime donor to the IAMA CF. She also referred to the Chief Guest of the Gala Dr Upendranath Nimmagadda, who did not attend. Currently, their daughter Madhavi Nimmagadda is on the Trust Fund Committee of the IAMA CF.

Speaking to the Hello NRI, Dr Lalitha Darbha informed that an extensive outreach is underway to engage new members of physician fraternity to upgrade services at the Clinic. Dr Lalitha Darbha says that “this outreach will also result in bridging the gap between the underserved and the affluent segments of the community.” Dr Lalitha Darbha is from IAMA CF’s Advocacy and Policy Committee. She recently led IAMA CF Delegation to Illinois State Legislative Assembly in Springfield. There they presented a memorandum to State Rep Kevin John Olickal; and, during this visit also engaged State Senator Ram Villivalam, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker as well.

Illinois State Rep Kevin John Olickal (third from left) receives Dr Lalitha Darbha and other members of the IAMA CF Policy And Advocacy Committee at his Springfield office.in the Illinois State Assembly.

Dr Piyush Vyas represented IAMA at the IAMA CF Gala. He sought to deepen the collaboration between IAMA and the IAMA CF. Annita John, md and Radhika Chimata, md were the MCs. Kishore Chugh and Dave Vasudevan was also appreciated at the Gala.

Medstar Laboratory Inc., Apex Quality Health, and Jas Diamonds were the grand sponsors of the Gala. At the Gala Chintan Soni’s Jas Diamonds gifted a diamond ring to an attending guest drawn through raffle. Chicago’s famous India House catered the event.