The Parsi Ambulance and Nursing Divisions, an offshoot of the St. John Ambulance Brigade, celebrated its ‘113^th Annual Day and Prize Distribution Ceremony’ on 4^th June, 2017, at the NM Wadia Hall in Mumbai. Dae Mahino Jasans, one each for the Ambulance and Nursing Divisions, were conducted simultaneously by Er. Hormuzd Raoji and Er. Cyrus Katrak, alongwith Er. Jamasp Tata and Er. Arish Pundole. The evening event was attended by Chief Guest and current Medical Director, Dr. Gustad Daver with wife Rekha, Guest of Honour Dr. Jeroo Pardiwala, Trustees and members of the Divisions, their families and other invitees. Other dignitaries on the dais were Trustee and Commander of the Nursing Division, Dr. Pervin Desai; Trustees Homi Wadia, Homiar Vakil and Keki Press; Commander and Chairman, Khushrow Masani; and Patron member of St. John’s Ambulance Brigade, Roddy Sales. Compered by Mehernosh Patel and Sharukh Gimi, the guests and dignitaries were felicitated with mementoes, garland and bouquets.

Addressing the audience, Dr. Daver, who is also the Head of Department of Surgery at Sir H N Reliance Foundation and the first to organize Human Organ Transplantation in Mumbai, complimented the organization for its noble work and stressed the importance of Human Organ Transplantation, providing good health for ailing people who benefit from this procedure of receiving vital functioning organs from donors. He also distributed awards to winners of various competitions organized by members of the Division.

The Parsi Ambulance Division established in 1904 and the Nursing Division established in 1913, have been serving the country since 113 and 104 years, respectively. Speaking to Parsi Times, Honorary Secretary and Trustee Homi Wadia and Trustee Homiar Vakil said, “When our organization was founded, patients were carried on litters to hospitals and later by horse drawn carriages. Today, we have four ambulances. Our cost free ambulance services are availed of by all people, irrespective of caste or creed. Our organization is financially stabilized by generous donors and well-wishers. Our services are also rendered amongst multitudes of people during the Ganeshotsav immersion. Our Division trains persons to render primary first aid care to needy patients whenever and wherever required.” Other activities of the Division include a free sick-bed requisite service, providing surgical beds and all other items which are required by patients.

Guest of Honour, Dr. Jeroo Pardiwala, recalled with pride her association with the Parsi Ambulance Division and Nursing Divisions. The event included an entertaining play ‘Married Bachelor’ by Dinyar and Roshan Tirandaz, and their troupe, penned by the Late Dorab Mehta and directed by Roshan Tirandaz. The event concluded  with a vote of thanks by Transport Officer, Rayomand Tavadia followed by dinner catered by Ketayun Khambatta.