The recent demise of Dr. Amina Ali Kazim plunged Rashid Hospital into an atmosphere of gloom such was the esteem and love held by all Rashid Hospital staff for this gem of a woman. Dr. Amina, Mannoo to close friends and relatives, was a popular anesthetist endeared by friends, colleagues and patients alike.

She was kind, considerate and placed the comfort of patients far above that of herself. She was a humble and honest woman but had a presence, which could not be ignored. She has been described to be above religion, caste, race or creed, and an open-minded and fair person. She had an iron will and endured pain especially during her last days without whining or complaining.

 

One nurse said, "I can always picture Dr. Amina running along the corridor, pushing the trolley and consoling the patient. This is the way I 'll always remember her."

 

 Her patient's interests were always put before her own. She was known to be generous with money and lent money to whoever needed a helping hand without ever both ask for it back. She was the Head of the Department of Anesthesia and was a mentor to physicians junior to her.

 

Although she did not have a formal post as lecturer in the Co Medicine she taught residents working under her 'on the job', and believed in the apprentice system of training.

 

She had a great sense of fun and was an incredible woman, one of a kind. She was well traveled and was very interested in history and the arts. She was the first UAE national woman to private pilot license on 26th September 1979 from the Burnside -OTT Aviation Center in Miami.

 

Dr Amina Kazim was born in Dubai on the 24th of February 1937 and died on 18th of March 2000, leaving behind 3 sisters, a brother and one daughter. She did her schooling in Bombay, India and obtained her Secondary School Certificate in 1954, following which she attended the Lady Harding Medical College, New Delhi, India, from which she graduated MBBS in 1961. She completed her internship in the K E M College, Bombay and went on to specialize in anesthesia from the same institution. After obtaining her specialization she returned to Dubai and joined AI Maktoum Hospital in 1965. She was the first UAE national lady physician and the only UAE national lady anesthetist in the whole of the UAE. She was awarded for distinction in service after the end of 30 years service in the health services of Dubai.

 

She was also awarded by the Emirates Medical Association for her role in the foundation of the Association.