By Mohammed Talha Siddi Bapa
Bengaluru: Karnataka Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Mr. U.T. Khader, paid a courtesy visit on Wednesday evening to the central office of Karnataka Muslim Muttahida Mahaaz (KMMM) at Darussalam Building, Queens Road, Bengaluru, where he was received by office bearers and representatives of various Muslim, social and youth organisations.
Among those present on the occasion were Mahaaz Convener Mr. Masood Abdul Qadir; Joint Conveners Mr. Mohammed Yousuf Kanni, Mr. Tanveer Ahmed Sharief, Mr. Muhibbullah Ameen and Mr. Mansoor Ahmed Qureshi (Dadu Bhai); from Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat, Haji Allah Bakhsh Adavallamri; from Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Bengaluru, Engineer Shaikh Safdar and Dr. Syed Fakhruddin Qazi; from Jamiat-ul-Ulama, Mr. Tafheemullah Maarif and Hafiz Mohammed Farooq; Solidarity Youth Movement Karnataka President Dr. Naseem Ahmed; SIO Secretary Haiyan; Mahaaz Joint Secretary Mr. Ejaz Ahmed; Bengaluru city representatives Mr. Shabbir Ahmed and Mr. Touseef Ahmed, besides other prominent personalities.
The programme began with a welcome address by Mr. Mohammed Yousuf Kanni, Joint Convener of the Mahaaz, who welcomed the Health Minister and expressed hope that his leadership would contribute positively to the fields of healthcare, education and social welfare. He also emphasised the importance of closer coordination between government institutions and community organisations to ensure that welfare schemes effectively reach underprivileged and medically underserved sections of society.
Introducing the Karnataka Muslim Muttahida Mahaaz, Convener Mr. Masood Abdul Qadir said that the platform brings together more than 25 Muslim organisations and institutions in Karnataka with the objective of promoting political awareness, social harmony, collective engagement and addressing issues concerning the community.
During the interaction, Mr. Touseef Ahmed highlighted his efforts in assisting poor and needy patients in accessing government healthcare schemes, private hospitals and medical guidance. Stressing the need for an Air Ambulance Service in Karnataka, he pointed out that Bengaluru’s severe traffic congestion often poses serious challenges in shifting critically injured road accident victims to major hospitals on time. He appealed to the Health Minister to consider introducing an air ambulance service during his tenure, describing it as a potentially life-saving initiative that would be remembered by the public for years.
Addressing the gathering, Health Minister U.T. Khader thanked the Mahaaz for the invitation and shared his views on the social, educational and political condition of the Muslim community in Karnataka. Responding to criticism regarding Muslim representation in governance, he said that opportunities alone are not sufficient; communities must also utilise them effectively through performance, responsible leadership and public service.
Referring to earlier political periods, the Minister noted that Muslim leaders had previously been entrusted with important responsibilities, including significant portfolios such as Finance. He cited the contributions of the late S.M. Yahya, former Finance Minister, and senior leader C.M. Ibrahim, observing that there had been periods when Muslim representation in government was comparatively stronger. He stressed that instead of dwelling solely on grievances, the community should focus on making better use of available opportunities and strengthening its role through constructive leadership and service.
Speaking about his priorities in the health sector, Mr. Khader said that while the government’s BPL (Below Poverty Line) healthcare schemes continue to support economically weaker sections, one of his priorities is to explore ways to extend medical assistance and subsidised or free treatment to financially vulnerable families belonging to the APL (Above Poverty Line) category as well. He said that healthcare access should be expanded so that no deserving patient is denied treatment due to financial constraints.
The Minister also assured the gathering that he would remain accessible in addressing issues concerning the community and public welfare. He reiterated his commitment to working for the welfare of all sections of society and maintaining open channels of communication for resolving collective concerns.
The meeting concluded in a cordial atmosphere with discussions on public welfare, healthcare access and the need for continued cooperation between community organisations and the government.
