She was indeed a remarkable and courageous woman. From a young age, she faced challenging circumstances, but she never allowed herself to be discouraged or lose hope. Despite the difficulties she encountered, she pursued her dreams and aspirations in the field of medicine. Her expertise, knowledge, and contributions made her a highly respected figure within the medical community.

Dr. Aijaz Fatima was a renowned gynaecologist, who made a significant contribution to the field of obstetrics and gynaecology in Pakistan. She was the daughter of Sir Dr Ziauddin Ahmad, who was the prominent figure of the sub-continent, a politician, educationist, scholar, and first pro-vice-chancellor, vice-chancellor and rector of Aligarh Muslim University.

She, born on 31st December, 1926, to Sir Dr. Ziauddin Ahmad and Begum Izhar Fatima, embarked on a challenging and transformative journey in her life. With unwavering determination, she excelled in her studies, earning her matriculation and intermediate qualifications from Aligarh. Subsequently, she was accepted into the prestigious MBBS program at Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi.

Following the partition in 1947, Dr. Aijaz Fatima, having migrated to Pakistan, enrolled in the MBBS program at Dow Medical College in Karachi. With dedication and hard work, she successfully completed her medical education. After graduating, she secured a government job, commencing her professional journey in the field of medicine. This employment opportunity allowed her to contribute her skills and expertise to serve the healthcare needs of the community.

In the 1950s, Dr. Fatima, along with her husband, made the courageous choice to leave their position of government hospitals jobs and embark on a selfless mission to serve the community. With determination and perseverance, Dr. Aijaz Fatima and her husband, Dr. Tajamul Hussain, began their humble journey, laying the foundation of a two-room maternity home in Nazimabad.

She founded the Dr. Ziauddin Hospital, named after her father Sir Dr. Ziauddin Ahmad, with the aim of providing quality healthcare services to the people of Pakistan. The hospital started as a small clinic but expanded over the years to become one of the leading hospitals in the country, offering a wide range of medical services, including obstetrics and gynaecology. Little did she know that her efforts would pave the way for the remarkable growth of the Dr. Ziauddin Group of Hospitals. Their small maternity facility blossomed into a prestigious institution that encompasses five state-of-the-art tertiary care hospitals.

Dr. Aijaz Fatima was passionate about her work and was known for her expertise in high-risk obstetrics. Her contributions in the field of gynaecology and obstetrics in Pakistan are highly significant. She was dedicated to providing the best possible care to her patients and improving the overall healthcare system.

As a gynaecologist, Dr. Aijaz Fatima helped save countless lives of mothers and babies during her career. Her skills and knowledge in this area were highly respected in Pakistan. She trained numerous young doctors and medical students, passing on her knowledge and skills to the next generation of medical professionals. In addition to her work as a gynaecologist, she was a strong supporter of initiatives aimed at promoting women's education and providing them with economic opportunities.

Her vision didn't stop anywhere. Recognizing the vital role of education in transforming society, Dr. Fatima's son Dr. Asim Hussain established a Ziauddin University, has eight different faculties including faculty of health sciences; faculty of engineering, sciences, technology & management; faculty of pharmacy; faculty of law, politics & governance; faculty of nursing & midwifery; faculty of liberal arts & human sciences; faculty of veterinary & animal sciences; and faculty of eastern medicine & natural sciences, offering diverse programs. This comprehensive range of disciplines empowers the youth of Pakistan with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in various fields, while upholding the noble vision of Sir Dr. Ziauddin Ahmad.

Through her relentless dedication, they have transformed their aspirations into a full-fledged institution that not only provides quality healthcare but also educates and empowers generations of students.

Dr. Aijaz Fatima passed away in May 27, 2021, but her legacy lives on through the Dr. Ziauddin Hospital, which she founded in 1950s, has become one of the leading healthcare institutions in Pakistan, offering a wide range of medical services to patients. The hospital's commitment to providing quality healthcare services to the people of Pakistan is a testament to Dr. Aijaz Fatima's vision and dedication to improving healthcare in the country. Her dedication, passion, and commitment to the field of medicine have inspired many young doctors and medical professionals in the country. She was a highly respected figure in the field of medicine in Pakistan, and she will always be remembered as a pioneer in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology.

Dr. Aijaz Fatima's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and a shared vision to make a lasting impact on society,.and the strength of the human spirit. Her story is an inspiration to individuals facing adversity, reminding them to never lose courage and to remain steadfast in the pursuit of their goals. Her legacy will continue to inspire and motivate future generations of doctors and medical professionals in Pakistan and beyond.

On May 27th, we commemorate the death anniversary of Dr. Aijaz Fatima, who passed away at 95 in Karachi, she was a very committed and soft-hearted woman. We honor her memory on this occasion of her death anniversary. Let us pay rich tribute to her indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Published in The Daily National Courier, May, 27 2023

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