NEWJERSEY: Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America, APPNA New Jersey Chapter organized its an annual gala dinner at RWJ University hospital.
The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran. The gala dinner was attended by a large number of APPNA members and their family members. The national anthems of America and Pakistan were traditionally played on this occasion.
At the beginning of the ceremony, Dr. Rizwana Khan welcomed all the guests and participants and welcomed them on their arrival.
She said that this evening is not just a gala dinner but also a celebration of the achievements APPNA New Jersey has achieved in education, health and community services.
APPNA New Jersey Chapter President Dr. Irfana Khan gave the welcome address and also summarized her professional career and organizational performance throughout the year.
Addressing participants, she said that APPNA was starting a free clinic to provide medical facilities to the underprivileged class in the backward areas of Pakistan and a free ambulance program for immediate transfer of patients to hospitals, which will be completed and activated soon.
Dr. Irfana Khan dedicated her achievements not only to the entire APPNA New Jersey team but also to her husband Mudassar Safdar and family.
APPNA New Jersey’s former President Dr. Saira Zubair introduced the new President Dr. Mahmood Alam, who has been elected for the year 2025.
She said that Dr. Mahmood Alam has always served humanity without discrimination in difficult situations.
The newly elected President of APPNA New Jersey, Dr. Mahmood Alam, who is also a cardiologist, addressed the participants and said that APPNA was established in the state of Michigan 47 years ago in 1977.
He said that this long journey cannot be described in words and emphasized that everyone should try to do whatever they can for the betterment of humanity in their respective fields.
The ceremony was attended not only by Pakistani doctors but also prominent figures from the political, social and business community in large numbers.
Renowned cardiologist Dr. Ramzan participated through Zoom and shed light on the causes, prevention and treatment of heart diseases and stroke.
Senior leader of APPNA New Jersey Dr. Zubair shed light on his long journey in the health sector and also appreciated the performance of APPNA New Jersey President and Gala Dinner Director Dr. Irfana Khan.
He said that Pakistani doctors in the United States have achieved a very prominent position in medical science.
Dr. Zubair introduced the President and Chief Executive Officer of RWJ Barnes Hospital and University, the Heart Disease Center Mark E Manigan, Executive Vice President Bill Arnold and others.
Addressing participants, President and CEO of RWJ Barnes hospital Mark Manigan, appreciated the services of Pakistani physicians in New Jersey. He said that APPNA New Jersey and its Pakistani doctors have always stepped forward to help the suffering humanity and the victims in different periods and difficult situations.
On this occasion, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital President Alan Lee and others also addressed the participants.
Mr. Lee expressed his gratitude to the entire APPNA New Jersey team and the Board of Directors and said that it is an honor for him to participate in the APPNA event.
He said that APPNA New Jersey and RWJ are working together in the health sector and will continue to do so.
APPNA New Jersey recognized the outstanding performance in medical science and community services of many personalities and honored them with awards.
After receiving the awards, the speakers addressed the audience. They said that Pakistani doctors were not only actively work in the field of medicine but also in social and welfare activities and they should do whatever is possible for our immigrant community.
Later, Dr. Rizwana Khan thanked all her sponsors for their cooperation in organizing the gala dinner and musical evening.
She said that APPNA New Jersey would continue to work tirelessly for the promotion of education, health and community services.
Pakistan’s famous folk singer Naseebo Lal sang the melodious songs of Madam Noor Jahan at the end of the event which was enjoyed by the participants.
