Story of Hamdard and struggle of Hakim Muhammad Saeed
In 1953, following the legacy of his father, Hafiz Abdul Majeed, who started Hamdard Dawakhana in 1906 in Delhi, Hakim Mohammed Said started Hamdard in Pakistan, from two small rented rooms. Soon he converted Hamdard into a Waqf (Islamic irrevocable trust) in which the profits of Hamdard Pakistan were allocated to the trust, to be used in the development of health, education, and similar nation building and philanthropic fields. Hamdard Foundation Pakistan was created in 1964 to manage these funds. The meaning of Hamdard is 'a companion in pain' and sympathiser in suffering, and its working reflects this. Hamdard's clinics are located in all major cities of Pakistan, and charge no fees.
Hamdard's leading products include:
Rooh Afza: It is a recognised refreshing drink of the East and has surpassed the total consumption of other such syrups combined in Pakistan and abroad.
Ispaghol: The second most significant product of Hamdard is Ispaghol, which is a mild laxative, diuretic and soothing for gastric and intestinal issues, and hence provides relief in gastric irritation.
Joshina: It contains the extracts of seven renowned herbal ingredients. It is a reliable remedy for cough, cold and bronchitis.
Carmina Plus: It is helpful in gastric disorders such as hyperacidity, anorexia, burning sensation, and vomiting and abdominal cramps. It is known as a quick home remedy for abdominal discomforts.
Safi: This is an effective blood purifying herbal supplement, which has replaced the old purgation therapy. It eliminates the accumulated morbid matter through the intestines, kidneys and skin, thus correcting their functions.
Sualin: It is made from chosen ingredients of herbs and enriched with efficacy of Toot Siyah, useful for sore throat. Sualin is a remedy for cold, cough and bronchitis.
Hamdard Revand and Miswak Toothpastes: Modern research has proved that Revand Cheeni is an effective antiseptic medicinal herb; hence Hamdard has included Revand because of its quality of assisting oral hygiene and helping shine teeth.
Miswak Peelu Toothpaste is prepared using the teeth-cleaning twig known as Salvadora Persica or Miswak. The frequent use of this toothpaste keeps gums healthy.
Hamdard Naunehal Gripe Water: Hamdard has a complete and natural remedy for stomach related ailments for children. It helps strengthen the child's sensitive intestines and helps improve digestion.
Joshanda: It is an excellent treatment for cough and cold.
The goal of Hamdard is to become a more modern and contemporary brand along with keeping its corporate culture of traditional wisdom intact. In the near future, Hamdard wants to be the most sought-after equal opportunity employer. Since its inception, its mission is to lessen the sufferings of the poor and to eradicate poverty by providing health and educational services. The eyes of its administration are set on automation in order to guarantee efficiency and the hygiene of its products. Hamdard wants to continue growing as an institution promoting progress and innovation in the fields of science and most importantly, philanthropy.
By continuing to work with diligence, keeping this ethos in mind, inevitably the by-product would be progress of society as a whole. The quality of innovation, dedication and commitment from its employees has made Hamdard a name synonymous with trust. If its success is a reflection of the human capital available at its disposal, then there lies a testament for the quality of human capital in Hamdard. The organisation wants to become a preferred employer, as it believes in gender equality.
Hamdard significantly contributes in the exports of Pakistan and for the last many years has been winning the Export Trophy on its beverages every year. It is the first institution to get Unani medicines manufacturer's license on its Greco-Arab (Unani) medicines from DRAP (Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan). By regularly updating its existing products and adding new Greco-Arab medicines, Hamdard has introduced an automated production line that guarantees the hygiene of its products. Currently the organisation is upgrading its production facility to become FDA compliant. And thus soon it will be the first company to export Unani medicines from Pakistan.
One of Hamdard's achievements is the ability to regularly direct a substantial amount of profits towards education, research and other related CSR activities. Taking forward its founder Hakim Said's vision of carrying healthcare to the doorsteps of the poor, Hamdard Free Mobile Dispensaries have increased in number. Now there are a total number of 21 Hamdard Mobile Dispensaries, which operate in most of the major cities of Pakistan, dispensing free medicines and consultations on a daily basis to those who could not otherwise afford it. There is a range of other CSR initiatives that Hamdard takes, as the organisation believes that its efforts should result in the greater good of society, which is a reflection of the principles on which Hamdard was established.
Hamdard's other contributions towards betterment of society include its publications
Hamdard Naunehal: A hugely popular Urdu monthly magazine for the younger generation. Hakim Mohammed Said first published it in 1953.
Hamdard Sehat: A magazine in Urdu that brings the best tips, information and advice on health and fitness, as well as information on the latest Hamdard products.
Another significant contribution is the establishment of Madinat al-Hikmah - City of Education, Science and Culture - which houses the Hamdard University, the Hamdard Public School and Hamdard Village School. The mission is to provide modern day education, state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and a conducive environment to students and staff for their professional and personal development.
Hamdard University at Madinat al-Hikmah, on the outskirts of Karachi, is the biggest private university of Pakistan, producing 1,400 graduates annually. As Hamdard believes in research, the university provides contemporary facilities for excellence in research.
Hamdard's Bait al-Hikmah library puts expensive educational books within the reach of students and scholars. Following the wisdom of Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said and carrying forward his mission, Hamdard is working relentlessly on providing free healthcare services and spreading education, as these two are the main factors that can put the country on the path of progress.
Courtesy : Khaleej Times
