Pakistani physicians host health care day at synagogue in Vernon Hills
On Sunday, Oct. 12, the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America commemorated National Healthcare Day. APPNA operates 32 local chapters across the United States. The event was planned by the National Healthcare Day Committee, which is chaired by Dr. Aamra Rahman.
Health Screen was launched in all 32 local chapters across the United States, on the same day and at the same time, under the guidance of APPNA. APPNA doctors and volunteers provided free health screenings, wellness education, and health care accounts to communities around North America.
The event in Chicagoland took place in the Shalom Synagogue in Vernon Hills, with help from Rabbi Ari Margolis. A Community Health event was co-hosted by the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America and Shalom Synagogue from noon to 4 p.m. Over 150 local community members came to Shalom Synagogue for a health care day that included Pakistani physicians and health care providers with several dozen volunteers. APPNA provided attendees with a wealth of health information and free screenings.
The Pakistani Physicians team arrived just before the resource fair started. They set up 10 tables and provided a long list of free services to guests, such as blood pressure checks, flu shots, liver and kidney function tests, diabetes testing and rapid eye testing.
National Healthcare Day Committee Chair Dr. Amera Rahman said during an interview that the purpose of this event is to provide free health screening to all, regardless of race, gender or insurance.
Dr. Humeraa Ahmad Qamar, the current president of the APPNA, spoke online from Ocala, Florida, and provided details of the events in 32 states.
Rabbi Ari Margolis highlighted the importance of the event, saying that the synagogue is open to the public and that the day’s event was designed to provide critical health screenings and services while bringing the community together for a day of connection, care and wellness
Dr. Aftab Khan, the elected APPNA president for the year 2026, arrived at the event, gave the team advice, and expressed gratitude for their cooperation.
In order to help the community, numerous Pakistani doctors were there, including Dr. Shahazad Khazi, Nureain Mirza, Dr. Nozaina Aftab, and Dr. Mehvish Siddique and several other Pakistani physicians were there at the event.