Founder, Zulekha Healthcare Group
Dr. Zulekha Daud, affectionately known as ‘Mama Zulekha’ and the recipient of the eminent Divya Chakra Award, epitomises a pioneering spirit, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to healthcare. Her impact on healthcare in the Middle East is nothing short of revolutionary.
Arriving in the UAE in the 1960s when healthcare access was limited, she became a pioneering Indian lady medical professional and entrepreneur. Her journey traces back to the Kuwaiti Mission Hospital in Sharjah, where she began her dedicated service, quickly earning the admiration of both UAE nationals and expatriates.
Driven by a vision to establish world-class medical facilities at affordable costs, Dr. Zulekha Daud founded the Zulekha Healthcare Group. Starting with a 30-bed facility in Sharjah in 1992, her enterprise has burgeoned into an expansive network, encompassing hospitals, medical centres, educational institutions, and pharmacies across the UAE and India.
Under her guidance, the healthcare network forged collaborations with global medical experts, facilitating the introduction of advanced super-speciality clinical services. This commitment to excellence led to recognitions, including accreditation by the Joint Commission International, USA, validating the high standards maintained across the facilities.
Beyond Medicine: Dr. Zulekha Daud’s Impact on Society and Healthcare
Her influence extended beyond healthcare. Recognising the shortage of female doctors in the region, she addressed this by her practice and inspired others to follow suit. Establishing the Alexis Multispeciality Hospital in Nagpur, India, and initiatives like Zed – a vocational training centre, charitable trusts, and efforts towards providing clean drinking water in India showcased her commitment to societal welfare.
Dr. Zulekha’s impact reaches beyond medical infrastructure. She’s actively involved in community initiatives focusing on the early detection and prevention of life-threatening diseases, providing free health checks to thousands of individuals. Her commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives addressing diabetes, cancer, kidney diseases, and arthritis is commendable.
Dr. Zulekha Daud’s outstanding contributions to healthcare have garnered significant recognition. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan honoured her for five decades of service, acknowledging her efforts in boosting healthcare for UAE citizens. Forbes Middle East listed her among the top 100 Indian Leaders in the UAE for her impactful role in healthcare.
Additionally, she received the prestigious Dubai Quality Award from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, underlining her commitment to excellence in healthcare. Her enduring efforts in Nagpur, coupled with receiving the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, also reflect her unwavering dedication to her homeland.
Dr. Zulekha Daud’s dedication exemplifies an unwavering commitment to healthcare and societal well-being.
