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SOCIAL UPLIFTMENT -
Fulfilling the Ideology of Tibb ye Africa
As one of the Ibn Sina Institute of Tibb's primary objectives, social responsiblility is a key area of activity achieved through dedicated social efforts such as the establishment of healthcare facilities in under-privileged areas, and by providing study bursaries and cost-effective medication.
Prof Rashid Bhikha's personal vision and social responsibility combine in making Tibb a viable, cost effective and empowering way to bring medical relief to many people who could not otherwise afford it. This vision was put into practice when the first two Tibb primary healthcare outreaches were opened, in Kagiso (July 1998) and Leratong (April 1999). Later, an Aids Homebase Care Centre was established in Katlehong (in July 2001), in partnership with the Greater Germiston City Council, and handed over to local government.
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Unani-Tibb was recognized by the Allied Health Council (in 2001), Training in this discipline began in earnest two years later, at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). Initially, the focus was on the training of Tibb doctors and development of academic staff to meet the objectives of the Institute. Bursaries for the one-year post-graduate diploma were initiated for clinical primary healthcare nurses who were unable to afford the University fees. To date more than 100 bursaries have been awarded from the bursary fund to the value of more than R400 000. In addition, financial assistance is made available to recently qualified Tibb doctors, enabling them to establish their own practices.
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Prof Rashid Bhikha with the Deputy Director of Health, Ms. Nthari Matsau at the opening of the Katlehong Clinic
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The Institute has also set up Tibb Medical Centres in Umlazi (Durban), Manenburg (Cape Town), and in Langa (Cape Town). This is in line with the aim of making Tibb accessible and affordable to people in previously disadvantaged areas. Treatment cost at the centres is subsidized, thereby making it affordable to most. These sites are also used to support undergraduate and postgraduate training at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), as well as for ongoing research. In addition, the Institute is actively collaborating with NGO's to assist in the provision of affordable healthcare. |
Prof Rashid Bhikha & Mayor Padi of Roodepoort at the opening of the Leratong Clinic
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Education and training forms an intergral part of the social responsiblity programme of the Institute.
The Institute has iniated the modular based Tibb Lifestyle Advisors Programme and more than 1000 participants, many representatives from non-governmental organizations or local municipalities, have completed the courses to date, with the Institute bearing all costs of training these healthworkers.
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Social Responsibility further extends to include Zain Bhikha Studios, which is a division of The Ibn Sina Institute of Tibb. Zain Bhikha is an acclaimed artist whose songs and lyrics aim at addressing peace and God-consciousness. Zain has performed in countries throughout the world, with his primary focus being the upliftment of people in South Africa. For more information, visit www.zainbhikha.com
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