Niagara Region gets a permanent Medical Officer of Health
Published April 28, 2023 at 10:00 am
After five years with an Acting Medical Officer of Health – Dr. Mustafa Hirji – at the helm, Niagara Region has finally announced a permanent Top Doc.
Yesterday (April 27), the council appointed Dr. Azim Kasmani as the permanent Medical Officer of Health and Commissioner of Public Health and Emergency Services for Niagara Region.
Kasmani, who will begin his new duties on May 28, joined the Region as Associate Medical Officer of Health in August 2021 and has assisted with key Public Health projects, including its involvement in the Canada Summer Games.
For his part, Hirji will remain as an Associate Medical Officer of Health with Niagara. Hirji was subjected to continuous abuse online and in-person throughout the pandemic by those who doubted its severity, complete with serious threats and protestors out front of his Pelham house.
Council expressed gratitude to Hirji, thanking him for the many contributions he made throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley said, “The role of Medical Officer of Health in Niagara is a challenging one at the best of times, and managing the impacts of a global pandemic are especially difficult.”
“Council will certainly be acknowledging (Hirji’s) significant contributions to our community over the coming weeks.”
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As for the incoming Kasmani, Bradley noted, “I am looking forward to working with him to both face new challenges and take advantage of upcoming opportunities in our future. Under his leadership, I am confident that Public Health and Emergency Services will continue to be successful going forward.”
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