Bound by blood... KARACHI: In their bid to endorse the process of collaboration between India and Pakistan, Rotary Foundation India District Governor Ashish Ghosh and former District Governor Deepak Talwar on Tuesday donated a blood component separating machine (Rotixa 50 RS) to Memon Medical Institute (MMI) in Safoora Goth.

The MMI at Safoora Goth is testament to a man's vision to build a tertiary care hospital out of an emaciated structure. The 300-bed hospital is said to be the second largest hospital in Karachi after Aga Khan University Hospital, and boasts state-of-the-art equipment. It was to laud a fellow Rotarian's selfless effort in building a modern hospital that forced the two governors to come from India.

MMI Chairman Peer Mohammed Deewan said that after visiting eight major hospitals in India, he realised that both countries have a lot to learn from each other, and that is what motivated him to build a state-of-the-art hospital to help the poor.

"What we have done is a very small effort, but it is a step in the right direction," said Rotary Foundation Karachi Governor Usman Masood. Lauding Deewan's efforts, he said that when one is determined and has a vision, there's nothing that can stop a dream from turning into a reality.

Masood said that after 63 years of independence, there was a need to work towards the common goal of peace between India and Pakistan. "If we sincerely work towards peace, we'll definitely achieve it," he said.

"We have started the process by donating our blood, nothing can be as pure as that in my opinion," said Talwar, adding that there was no issue which could not be solved through humanitarian efforts, and thus, there was no point in delaying any step towards sustainable collaboration between India and Pakistan.

"By our joint efforts we can show the world that lasting peace is a possibility in a region that is usually termed a trouble spot," said Talwar. "Aman Ki Asha comes from humanity and that should be our prime focus, so that years later, two people sitting together can tell each another that they about how they got blood from a Pakistani."

Rotary Foundation Delhi District Governor Ashish Ghosh said that Rotary will do whatever it can to promote peace in the region. "Mobile blood vans were recently donated by Pakistani Rotarians, and that project is very close to my heart. Just imagine if a life is saved on the roads of Delhi, the impact it will have on an individual's mind. Let us give peace a try, as it is achievable."

Ghosh added that when the earthquake occurred in Batgram, Rotarians in India also supported the displaced people and helped their cause. He said that this is what the scale of collaboration should be, as humanitarian efforts never go unnoticed and have a lasting impact. "Rotarians are safe in Pakistan, as we feel it is in good hands," Ghosh concluded.

Wednesday, March 03, 2010

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