Dr. Zulekha Daud: Epitome of compassion and care

Dr. Zulekha Daud finds fulfilment in the fact that she has touched and made a difference to many lives. Giving makes her happy and she does it every day.

"I derive my inspiration from my parents who gave us good education and insisted on inculcating the best attributes to be successful in future." - Dr. Zulekha Daud
Dr. Zulekha Daud, Chairperson, Zulekha Healthcare Group is seen as an epitome of compassion and care - a caring mother always helping people in need. Her dedication and attitude over the years earned her the respect and love of UAE residents, who address her as 'Mama Zulekha'. Every time someone calls her this way, it gives her a sense of belonging and closeness to the people she serves. "Being addressed as Dr. Zulekha Daud is my professional identity in which I take immense pride, being the first female doctor in the region. Being a corporate icon surely makes me feel proud, especially this year, as we accomplished 25 years of successful operations in the UAE and one year in India since the inception of Alexis Multispeciality Hospital," she says in an interview with Khaleej Times.
So, what is her secret to a successful life? She says, "It is caring genuinely and being honest in your duties, practising my mantra of determination and the will to go on. Beyond the technology, besides the specialists, something more is needed - the magic of a caring touch."
According to her, her source of strength has been her parents initially. Now it is her own will to go on and her people - determined and committed workforce who keep the Zulekha flag flying high. "I am happy that I have been a role model for many in inculcating a compassionate attitude, essentially required while dealing with humans," she says.
The doctor confesses that life has been a roller-coaster ride for her. "Obstacles were many, personally and professionally, having begun as a working mother and taking the lead to lay the foundation of a future leading healthcare brand in 1964," she says.
When Dr. Zulekha arrived in the UAE, they had very little healthcare, few roads and facilities, the doctor recalls. "In those days, I would deliver babies in homes or in my clinic where we did not have any of the modern facilities we have today. I wanted to give back to the community and improve the overall healthcare standards in the area. I call obstacles challenges, as they strengthened me and pushed me forward in achieving everything we have today."
She concludes, "The belief of the people in my capabilities kept me going. I was determined to give residents a healthcare facility that is easily accessible and affordable like in their own home country. The support of the government authorities was encouraging at all times." - suchitra@khaleejtimes.com

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