Giving back: Madinah Group stands out in welfare work

Humanitarianism, not good business, source of our growth, says its chairman.

FAISALABAD:

As Madinah Group of Industries constantly registers double-digit growth, the group’s belief in being involved humanitarian assistance strengthens further, urging more spending on welfare projects as a religious responsibility.

The name of the group, Madinah, highlights the strong religious beliefs of the owners who think that they are growing not because of their exceptional business model but because they think God is showering His blessings because of and for the continuation of their welfare work.

Madinah Group of Industries comprises Madinah Sugar Mills, Kisan Edible Oil, Kisan Vegetable Ghee, Kisan Steel, Kisan Better Life, Kisan Spices and Kisan Soap. Faisalabad Oil Refinery Private Limited, another one of its subsidiaries, is a different, innovative and one of the largest fast moving consumer goods company in the vegetable oil and fats sector in Pakistan.

The reason behind our success is the welfare projects for those in need, said Mian Hanif, chairman of the Madinah Group of Industries while talking to The Express Tribune. He said the group was investing a handsome share of its profit in welfare projects, so much so that it’s now considered a cornerstone of the company’s policy.

The company has registered a growth rate of over 200% over the last five years which is attributed to its consistent quality care and welfare projects for the poor, said Mian Hanif.

After setting up free education and free hospital services in Faisalabad, Madinah Foundation is starting projects in the surrounding region to provide similar services, investing millions of rupees.

Madinah Group’s welfare work ranges from setting up hospitals to addressing more traditional problems. For example Mian Hanif says that Madinah Group of Industries will pay for mass marriages for families that cannot afford it, under the umbrella of Madinah Foundation, he added.

The group’s initiative is not restricted to Pakistan alone. The foundation has been doing welfare projects in Bangladesh, Nepal, the Maldives, Iraq and some African countries. Madinah Group of Industries organised health camps in these countries where patients were treated free of charge, said Dr Muhammad Saeed, Medical Superintendent Madinah Teaching Hospital Faisalabad.

He added that with all the modern hospital facilities, they provide treatment for various diseases free of cost.

Saeed said that the Madinah Foundation has been very active in Faisalabad, the prime example of which is the Madinah Teaching Hospital, which treats 2,000 patients every day free of charge. The hospital provides orthopedic surgery, eye surgery, RD surgery and cancer treatment free of cost.

According to the hospital report for 2013, 154,002 patients were given free treatment. The hospital also provided medical education at low or highly subsidised rates.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 17^th, 2013.

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