Islamic Medical Association of North America

The Islamic Medical Association of North America ("IMANA") is one of the largest faith-based medical groups in the world and is the largest Muslim medical organization in North America

It was founded in 1967 in Illinois and is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the ideals of Islamic medicine. The mission of IMANA is to provide a forum and resource for Muslim physicians and other health care professionals in the United States and Canada. IMANA seeks to promote a greater awareness of Islamic medical ethics and values among Muslims and the community-at-large, to provide humanitarian and medical relief, and to be an advocate in health care policy. The current headquarters for the organization is located in Lombard, Illinois.

IMANA is the charter member of the Federation of Islamic Medical Associations, along with 26 other Islamic Medical Associations around the world.

In April 2021, it was accused of raising funds to help India in its 2nd Wave of Covid-19 but did not do anything to help the country or its hospitals allegedly keeping the money either for themselves or using it for terror related funding.[1][2]

Relief efforts

IMANA is known for its relief efforts in various locales around the world, such as Indonesia and Pakistan. After the tsunami hit Indonesia in December 2004, IMANA sent a medical relief team to the region, and shortly thereafter established a clinic to replace several hospitals in Banda Aceh that had been destroyed.

In 2005, IMANA has been working with the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) to provide medical relief for the victims of the Kashmir earthquake. They have provided a significant amount of money through donations. In addition, they are sending medical relief teams to the region, consisting of doctors and healthcare professionals from all over North America.

In January 2010, the IMANA relief committee initiated an effort in Haiti after the earthquake centered near Port-au-Prince. The effort, coordinated with other groups, allowed several teams of physicians and surgeons to treat patients in Port-au-Prince.[3][4]

Conventions

IMANA has several medical conventions per year, including the annual convention. Every other year, the convention is held internationally. Previous conventions have taken place in locations such as Spain, Turkey, Egypt, and Jordan. The 2006 International Convention was held in Beijing, China and was the most successful convention in the organization's history. The 40th annual convention was held in Niagara Falls, Canada from July 17–22, 2007.

Speakers at various IMANA conferences have included notable physicians, medical professionals, Muslims in various fields and government dignitaries.

The 2008 meeting was the first joint meeting with FIMA (the Federation of Islamic Medical Associations) and was held in Morocco.

Controversy

During the second wave of Covid-19 in India, Donation links and posts started appearing on Indian social media asking to donate for helping in the Medical Equipment Shortage under the slogan "Helping India Breathe". IMANA has no Office, Brand, Representative in India. They had set the target for 1.8 Crore rupees (250,000 USD) and eventually managed to raise between Rs.30 crore to Rs.158 crore (4.3 Million USD to 22 Million USD). Later when IMANA was asked about the way these funds were spent to help India in its battle with Covid-19, it did not display any transparency.[1][2]

When Questioned , Dr Ismail Mehr of IMANA "made several dubious claims". IMANA claimed to have helped with Equipment worth USD 800,000 (RS. 6 crore) on May 7 that "included 100k Nasal cannulas, 40k non-breather masks, 450 Oxygen concentrators". None of this material was ever received by Indian Authorities.[1][2]

Publications

The Journal of the Islamic Medical Association (JIMA) is IMANA's quarterly medical publication.[5] JIMA is a nationally recognized medical journal published quarterly.

IMANA also publishes a quarterly newsletter.

References
  1. "US-based Pak NGOs 'mop up' funds raised to help India in Covid-19 crisis, likely to be used to fund terror, says report - Times of India". The Times of India. ANI. Jun 15, 2021. Retrieved 2022-01-04.
  2. "US-based Pak NGOs 'mop up' funds raised to help India in COVID-19 crisis, likely to be used to fund terror, says report". ANI News. Retrieved 2022-01-04.
  3. "IMANA's Laudable Health Program In Haiti". The Muslim Observer. July 15, 2013. Retrieved April 29, 2021.
  4. Head, Justin (January 21, 2010). "Doctor organizes relief teams to aid Haiti". The Leader. Corning, NY. Retrieved January 3, 2016.
  5. "The Journal of IMA". Journal Database. 2014. Retrieved January 3, 2016.
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