New clinic will serve the uninsured

By Lane Beattie and Ed Mayne
Published: Wednesday, May 11, 2005 9:38 a.m. MDT
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Business and labor don't always see eye-to-eye. But we are pleased to come together in strong support of a wonderful new community resource, the Maliheh Free Clinic.

In the last several days, the urgent needs of the uninsured population have been highlighted nationally and locally during Cover the Uninsured Week. News stories and editorials, in addition to an excellent health summit convened by Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., have turned a much-needed spotlight on the 250,000 Utahns lacking health insurance.

We are pleased to report that this serious challenge in society is not without solutions. A large number of civic-minded Utahns, including many medical professionals, have stepped up to build a clinic that will serve the medical needs of children and adults in the greater Salt Lake area who lack insurance and do not qualify for other programs. Along with several other community leaders, we are pleased to serve on the Advisory Board of the Maliheh Free Clinic, whose motto is, "Where Someone Cares."

Located at 415 E. 3900 South, the clinic has been in operation for a short time and its grand opening is scheduled for Thursday, May 12, at 1:30 p.m. It won't be able to meet the needs of the entire uninsured population, but it will be a good start.

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We have been thrilled with the outpouring of community support for the clinic. We appreciate the vision of philanthropist Khosrow Semnani, the key catalyst for the project and a generous donor through the Semnani Foundation. Numerous additional contributions have been provided by organizations ranging from construction companies to pharmaceutical firms. Hundreds of medical care professionals are donating time to keep the clinic's five examination rooms busy. The clinic will serve up to 150 patients per day.

The clinic is staffed full time by Dr. Mansoor Emam, an internist and IHC emergency room physician for 15 years, and two full-time registered nurses. Volunteers include specialists in a wide variety of medical fields such as cardiology, urology, psychiatry, pediatrics, OB/GYN, pharmacy and others, in addition to social workers, financial advisers and interpreters.

While the medical services are free, and no one will be turned away, the clinic is intended to serve children and adults in families below 150 percent of federal poverty guidelines who do not have health insurance. It is meant to serve those not eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, homeless services or other programs.

We are committed to support the Maliheh Free Clinic through the resources of the chamber and Utah's labor organizations, and we encourage broad community support. We appreciate the backing of Sen. Orrin Hatch, who has spent time at the clinic and who will be holding congressional hearings on the health insurance crisis.

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