The inception of the SDA came about in 1978, following the death of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. It was the brainchild of Dr. Qayoom Brohi. Initially it was a group of 10 doctors :  Dr. Rasul Bux Baloch, Dr. Qayoom Brohi, Dr. QamarAfghan, Dr. Khadim Baloch, Dr. Nasrullah Baloch, Dr. Nusrat Baloch,  Dr. Khalid Laghari, Dr.  Manzoor Memon, Dr. Amir Ali Shoro and Dr Afzal Shaikh. Originally it had a political side but this was soon dropped at it was thought that more could be achieved for the poor people of Sindh if it was only concerned with giving charity. The inaugural meeting was held at the Viceroy of India Restaurant off Baker Street, London in the Summer of 1979.

At first the SDA was involved only in awarding scholarships to poor Sindhi students to study medicine and become doctors in the villages from which they had come.

Soon it branched out into other fields such as funding clinics in rural areas, providing an ambulance and financial support where deemed essential.  

After years of perseverance by Dr. Khadim Baloch and Dr. Khalid Laghari the SDA became a registered charity.

The Association then had a number of quiet years, when it almost folded, after which there was an influx of much younger and enthusiastic doctors, led by Dr. Nazeer Daher and Dr. Ziauddin Shaikh, who poured in new energy and ambition. Since then it has gone from strength to strength, expanding the work done to include eye camps, gynae camps, a new hospital, schools in remote rural areas and general financial support to enable poor young people to study, not necessarily medicine but other subjects too.

In Hyderabad, Dr. Daher formed the Sindh Development Authority to work alongside the SDA UK by managing and funding some of the schools. Many of these schools were former Government schools.

The SDA UK also has links with the Osar Foundation, a family run organisation heavily involved in promoting education in remote areas, such as Hala and Matiari Districts. Mr. Imtiaz Ursani and his wife, Ghazala oversee and monitor the schools which have been funded and built by members of the SDA UK and its Associate members. 2 Assocaite Members who have built schools are Mr. Amir Abro and Mr. Ali Qureshi. Many of the Osar Foundation schools and SDA UK schools have Solar panels which enable the class rooms to have fans to keep the children comfortable, computer labs and access to a supply of cold drinking water.

It is vital that the SDA continues to support these worthy causes. The financial help given is really appreciated by the recipients. Without it they wouldn’t get educated or their ailments treated.

The situation in Pakistan as a whole and Sindh in particular is awful. Some people may feel that what the SDA does is of no use, but, as the Tesco advert says, “Every little helps” and it is so true for these unfortunate people, they are so grateful for what the SDA gives. Because of the SDA hundreds of children have become literate as a result of the schools that have been opened. In some instances, the schools run evening classes for the parents, especially the mothers. Some adults are also becoming computer literate.  Many have had their eye sight restored or improved and so many women are now pain free as a result of a minor gynae operation.  And thanks to Dr. Tayyab Memon’s hospital mothers are able to deliver their babies in a safe environment and receive help and guidance immediately after giving birth.

The SDA supports the SOUL Project which deals with mental health in all its forms. This vital work has been pioneered by Dr. Safi Afghan.  Mental illness remains a taboo subject and in general people still find it difficult to come to terms with and acknowledge mental health issues within in their families and social groups. 

It is essential that the SDA continues to support these worthy causes. The financial help given is really appreciated by the recipients. Without it they wouldn’t get educated or their ailments treated. 

Support for the SDA UK has to continue, and must bring in new members so that more money can be raised to maintain, improve and develop all the projects in which the SDA UK has an interest.