JEDDAH – The Indian Community of Jeddah in collaboration with the Deccan Alumni Association Middle East Chapter (DAAME) organized a proactive move to enhance a significant Diabetes Awareness health session in the auditorium of the girls’ section of the International Indian School Jeddah. The session was managed by Marketing Support Services.
Dr. Khaja Yaminuddin, an alumnus of IISJ ’99 batch, Joint Secretary Western Region DAAME and diabetes care specialist at King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital – Taif, spearheaded the initiative. He engaged with the diabetes patients, offering advice on medications, dispelling myths, and providing insights on managing diet and medication during Ramadan fasting.
There was a miscommunication among several patients on their dosage of the medication and some patients were even found using medications which were causing low blood sugar levels for a long time.
Dr. Yamin advised all the patients to visit their doctor regularly and also have their blood works done regularly if not controlled. He emphasized pre-Ramadan structured education for the diabetes patients for better management.
Dr. Mohammed Abdul Saleem, Consultant Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon at Naseem Jeddah Medical Center, who is also an Executive Member of IISJ, played a pivotal role in organizing and supporting the event by getting the IISJ girls’ section auditorium for the health awareness session alongside with the School Principal Dr. Muzaffar Hassan.
The awareness session was supported by a team of medical professionals, including Dr. Tausif Abdulkarim Shaikh, Dr. Fatima Rizwana, and Dr. Revathy Balasubhramanya, who gave individualized attention to each patient, ensuring comprehensive care. The Al Naseem Polyclinic doctors’ team conducted free screening services and blood sugar level checks before referring patients to the attending doctors.
Ascensia contributed significantly by distributing 150 Glucometers to patients referred by the medical team, facilitating better management of diabetes.
The Indian community of Jeddah, headed by Zakariya Biladi, Asim Zeeshan, and Imran Kausar, expressed gratitude to H.E. Mohd. Shahid Alam, Consul General of India, whose facilitation was instrumental in the success of the event.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Yamin said that this health and diabetes awareness session was the need of the hour. He mentioned receiving calls and messages asking various queries about the dosage adjustment and the procedure to take during Ramadan, therefore, he planned to have this interactive session to clear doubts. He has been actively #raisinghealthawareness through social media platforms for the past few years.
Mrs. Farah Masood, Vice Principal IISJ Girls’ Section, said she felt proud to see their school alumnus giving health and diabetes awareness session to the Indian community in Jeddah. The session was very interactive, and many misunderstandings were cleared regarding the dosage of medications while fasting during Ramadan.
Dr. Muzaffar Hassan, Principal, IISJ, said that raising health awareness sessions play a vital role in improving health queries among patients and educating them about the right medications.
