The turmoil in Libya, Yemen, and Bahrain is far from being over, yet a new situation in Syria is emerging to be serious. The government's crackdown on the opposition and those who are dreaming of democracy in Syria has started a new wave of refugees fleeing to the neighbouring Turkey.

Many have lost their lives and others are afraid of getting shot by the government forces. The Turkish camps are flooding with those who sustained injuries in Syria. Those with resources are going to the hospitals but a large number of the injured are at the mercy of Turkish government and local NGO's.

Our member organizations and affiliates, especially Hayat Foundation and D.W.W. have a new challenge to face. FIMA member organizations are standing by to act when needed.

The Libyan situation is still not under full control. As the rebels are being pushed out to Benghazi, the need of medical help is becoming a bigger necessity. Local doctors and nurses have been forced to desert the hospital, complicating the situation further. Arab Medical Union has been very proactive being in Egypt and have done a tremendous job during the Libyan crisis. However, the coordination and cooperation with other members who are willing to help has been somewhat slow.

Our Executive Director, Dr. Aly Mishal travelled to Egypt and had a very fruitful meeting in Cairo with AMU and IMA Egypt leadership. New spirit of working together has now emerged and we are hoping that FIMA will be able to make some difference through AMU and IMA Egypt leadership. New spirit of working together has now emerged and we are hoping that FIMA will be able to make some difference through AMU and IMA of Egypt, getting together with Doctor's World Wide and IMANA.

If not in Benghazi, the hospital could be set up at the Libya/Egypt border. The number of complex injuries has escalated and relief projects require more funds. We are seeking monetary help from the member organizations.

On the peaceful front, FIMA SaveVision continues to reach out to Africa. Eye camps in Mali, Niger, and Nigeria are on schedule. FIMA SaveSmile team returned to Sudan earlier this year for a successful cleft lip camp and have already planned to return there next year along with FIMA SaveDignity team. DWW and Hayat plastic surgeon did a marathon of cleft lip/palate surgeries in Palestine and other Middle East countries.

FIMA SAC is very busy finalizing the Umraprogram for medical students to be held on July 9-14, 2011. IMA of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (IMAKSA) and World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) sponsor this eight annual event. This is a great spiritual and informative activity, designed for the children of IMA's of the world and is an invaluable networking opportunity. Umra programs and student/resident camps will also create leaders of tomorrow.

Hope to see you all in Jakarta in September, insha'Allah.

Dr Parvaiz Malik,
President FIMA

Jalal ud Din Rumi said it very well "Some people make their goals the stars. They may live and die never reaching them, but in the darkness of the night, those stars will guide them to their destination because they put them in their sights"

I sometimes ponder on the issue of character building of medical students, which we are trying to accomplish as a challenge in fold of FIMASAV in medical students and Umrah camps in collaboration with IMAKSA/WAMY. We as parents, institutions or society can only give good advice or put their children on the right path through various disciplines.

The final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands. Most adults, including most teachers don't see themselves as engaged in their own moral growth. To ensure progressive growth in the moral life, we must first know ourselves. We must know our particular faults and failings, as well as our strengths and progress in trying to lead a good life. We gain this self-knowledge by continually examining our behaviour and reflecting on the kind of person we are and would like to be.

"The unexamined life is not worth living," as Socrates said, because only by examining our life can we improve it. Besides knowing ourselves, we must also make a sincere effort to become a better person and a better Muslim - more patient, more sensitive to the needs of others, quicker to forgive, more willing to admit when we're wrong.

We must persist in this effort even when we fail, as we surely will. Finally, we must ask, are carrying out our good intentions? Are we making gains, however small, in praciticing the virtues as laid down in sunnah?

FIMA invites all of its member IMA's to foster this vision of FIMA in grooming of and building the characters of Muslim medical students in their fold. Through these camps students get a chance to learn the basic principles of Deen, leadership training and train themselves for an ethical and blessed life to become a model Muslim health care professional.

The fates of FIMASAC medical students and Umra camps have been decided and the details have been circulated in the last FIMA e-newsletter. Kindly motivate the yongsters in your IMA to attend these important events. Feel free tocontact myself (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ), Dr. Tanveer Zubairi (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) or Dr. Atallah Ruhaily (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) for further assistance and details.

Dr Parvaiz Malik,
President FIMA

The FIMA annual council meeting attached to a scientific session of host IMA is a longstanding FIMA tradition. It is a unique opportunity for all the Muslim physician bodies working in various parts of the world to gather at one platform and discuss working of their IMA's, share their experiences and seek guidance for their future plans. The annual reports of IMA's are presented in FIMA council meeting.

Important FIMA projects including CIMCO, IHD, relief, save-vision, yearbook and many others are discussed in detail and audit is made. Newer horizons of work are explored and novel experiences are shared. Hence the annual meetings of FIMA council are a life line to all its constituents and affiliates.

Another important feature of FIMA council meeting is holding of FIMA biennial elections. The FIMA constitution depicts the role of Council as the following:
5.1.a: The council shall be the highest policy making body of FIMA.

5.1.b: Composition. One representative from each full member organization, preferably the president. one representative from each associate member, but with no voting right.

5.1.c:Duties.
i) To assure that objectives of FIMA are being fulfilled.
ii) To elect the Executive Committee and monitor its activities.
iv) To decide on dates and venues of Council meetings.
v) To approve or reject new applications for membership.
vi) To act as a disciplinary Committee with powers to expel, suspend, fire or reprimand member organization or the executive.
vii) Is responsible for promoting idea of FIMA Internationally and encourage formation of international bodies to enlarge the membership base of FIMA.
viii) Is responsible for all major financial decisions and general funding of FIMA.
ix) To meet at least once a year to review the work of the Federation, receive executive and sub-committee reports, and to approve annual audited financial statements.
x) It shall be the final arbitrator in the interpretation of this constitution.

The importance of FIMA council and to attend this vital activity is imperative for all the IMAs and it cannot be overemphasized. I find this opportunity to invite all the office bearers of member and associate member IMA's to prepare well in advance to attend the forthcoming 28th FIMA council meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia from September 13th-19th this year. International travel is cumbersome and the procedure is time consuming.

Indonesia is one of the best places to visit with picturesque landscapes, sunny beaches, lush green forests and countless historical places to visit. In addition to attending the council meeting and IMA Indonesia scientific meetings it will be a life time opportunity for the FIMA delegates to enjoy local site seeing and get a bliss of marvelous Indonesian hospitality.

I on behalf of FIMA EXCO invite you to attend the forthcoming FIMA council meeting and IIMA Indonesia scientific session, the theme of scientific meeting is "Updates in Geriatrics". Kindly feel free to contact myself or FIMA Sect. at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for any queries or assistance.

Dr Parvaiz Malik,
President FIMA