## **DAAE Presidential report 2021** 

It has been an incredible year 2021 for DAAE as for many others. The world has come together globally to fight the deadly Covid virus in 2020 and 2021 with continued efforts in the new year of 2022 as well. This virus has left many individuals bereaved and heart-stricken as scores of people died, many have been left crippled for the rest of their lives and many have seen the fabric of families and communities torn apart. At the same time Covid has re-taught us some of the life skills which we had taken for granted and have forgotten such as being kind to each other, valuing relationships, the attitude of giving, being humble and respectful to one another. 

I am delighted to share with all of you some of the achievements and successes that DAAE has attained during the last year. As you would know DAAE is a new organisation that was launched in December 2020. 

1. **Organisational framework:** As soon as DAAE was launched we have completed the organisational framework and its functioning portfolio  was  developed  with  six  main  workstreams  –  charity, humanitarian, career development / educational, clinical / medical support, international collaboration, and social & networking. 

2. **Registered  charity:** I  am  really  delighted  to  share  this  news Internationally to all the alumni that DAAE is now a fully registered charitable organisation in the UK. We all feel very proud that this was accomplished in a very short time given the Covid constraints we had in the beginning of registration process. 

3. **Covid  relief:** DAAE  has  played a  pivotal  role  in  supporting  the cause for Covid relief in 2021 in India. There was a high demand of Oxygen  concentrators  in  2021  in  India  and  DAAE  was  able  to coordinate,  collaborate  and  lead in  raising  significant  amount  of funds towards the purchase, procurement, supply, and logistics of the concentrators. This work was led by Dr Yousuf Sheikh and Dr Umair Khan and was supported by all the BOD of DAAE and all the alumni.  Their  work  was  also  recognised  by  DAAME  and  were awarded ‘Covid warrior’ title. This project was also supported by all the sister Deccan Alumni organisations and other charitable organisations. 

4. **Establishment of Covid isolation and oxygen centres:** With the partnership of all the sister Deccan alumni organisations DAAE has played her role in setting up Covid isolation centres in the City of Hyderabad. 

5. **Covid awareness and Clinical programs:** During the pandemic there  have  been  many  awareness  programs  conducted  jointly between DAAE, DAA and DAAME. These programs were held mostly via the zoom meetings and general population was the main focus to create awareness about the Covid and viral infection, precautions and awareness about the vaccination program. 



6. **Covid  Psych  Support:** In  partnership  of  DAA  we  were  able  to launch  a  dedicated  Covid  psych  support  helpline.  There  was  a significant demand in mid 2021 when several people were getting into  the  Covid  phobia  and  were  faced  with  depression,  anxiety, apathy, and isolation. DAAE was able provide online consultation to help suffering of people during the time. 

7. **Career guidance and PLAB:** DAAE was able to launch a series of virtual  career  workshops  for  all  medical  students  and  specially alumni  of  DCMS  to  help,  support  and  guide  those  who  wish  to pursue their medical careers in the UK or Europe. These were very popular among the Indian alumni and other medical students, but the participation was also from US and Middle East. These have been  led  by  our  career  pathway  lead  Dr  Mohammed  Zackaria. DAAME and DAAE have also jointly launched similar sessions during 2021. 

8. **Annual Meet in March 2022:** Lastly, I wanted to share another piece of good news. DAAE is organising her first Annual Meet on 19[th] March 2022, in Birmingham UK and would like to invite all of you to attend the meeting. We  have produced an excellent CME, teens program, children’s activities, and social and cultural program. We will be delighted to welcome you all in Birmingham, UK. 

**Prof Farooq Khan** _MBBS MD FRCPsych FIPS MSc Med Ed_ **President DAAE**