FATHEMA ISMAIL
In 2011, India announced that it had eradicated polio but the foundation stone for this incredible fight was laid by Mrs Fathema Ismail, who is known for her phenomenal work in treatment of polio affected children over 75 years ago and for which she was awarded the Padma Shri in 1958. Born on February 4, 1903, Fathema was the sister of ardent Gandhi supporter and Bombay’s cotton king, Umar Sobhani.
In 1942, a daughter was born to Fathema Ismail and Mohammad Hasham Ismail. They lovingly named her Usha. Unfortunately, when Usha was only three years old, she was diagnosed with polio. Witnessing her daughter’s struggles with the condition became a profound source of motivation for Fathema Ismail, driving her to work tirelessly and with firm determination.
Dr. M G Kini, an orthopaedic surgeon from Madras, was recommended to Fathema Ismail during her search for a good physician to treat her daughter. They stayed in Madras for eight months. Usha significantly improved while under Dr. Kini’s direction. While treatment was going on Fathema Ismail became aware of the lack of resources for treating polio-affected children.
After Madras, she travelled to British Army Hospital in Pune which had facilities for rehabilitating injured soldiers. She requested training and was granted access after some hesitation. What worked in her favour was the fact that Fathema Ismail had gone to Vienna to study medicine in 1920 but had to return after three years. Decades later, those three years of study helped facilitate a better understanding of the process of rehabilitation.
After more than two years of therapy and treatment, Usha’s
life was changed. She had remarkably regained movements. Fathema Ismail was now
determined to start a facility for the countless polio stricken children. Her
experience and observation in Madras and Pune gave her that confidence. In July
1947 a humble beginning was made in paediatrician Dr. Sanzgiri’s clinic by
seeking donations, and clinic was then moved to Dr. A. V. Baliga’s nursing
home. In 1948 the Society for the Rehabilitation of Crippled Children (SRCC)
was registered. After few months the Bombay government gave her space in the
empty barracks at Nariman Point. The
Government took keen interest in the work done by the SRCC and in 1950 leased
them land at Haji Ali.
In 1951, she represented India at the Second International
Polio Poliomyelitis Congress. She also visited several countries to gain
experience on different ways to support and help polio affected children. She
was determined to open a full-fledged hospital. The result was a Children’s
Orthopaedic Hospital, which opened in 1952 and was inaugurated by Pandit Nehru.
In 2006, SRCC decided further expansion and separated two activities of
rehabilitation and medical services. Phase I – SRCC – Centre For Child
Development, operational since 2009 and Phase II – SRCC Children’s Hospital
managed by Narayana Health, operational since April, 2017. Mrs Anita Garware,
the motivational force behind the SRCC Children’s Hospital, says, “I was
blessed to have known and worked under the direction of this marvellous and
determined lady. She was selfless and never took credit for all that she had
achieved.” For more information & pictures of SRCC surf on
https://srcc.org.in
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