More than 250,000 Utahns do not have health insurance — a statistic that prompted the opening of the Maliheh Free Clinic in South Salt Lake, which aims to provide free service to low-income and uninsured people in the Salt Lake Valley.

"Our intent is to give the best quality medical care without expectation or charges," said Dr. Mansoor Emam, director of the clinic. "We believe that health care is a right, not a privilege."

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. and numerous community leaders participated in the grand opening of the clinic on Thursday. More than 150 professionals are volunteering to help run the clinic and full-time financial counselors will check if patients qualify for programs like Medicaid and Medicare.

Emam was born in Iran in an area with no medical facilities. During his childhood, Emam said he decided that he wanted to become a physician and serve the needy. Through the help of philanthropist Khosrow B. Semnani and construction company owner John Holmes, the clinic was built free of cost and the operating finances are covered through the first year.

"This really does represent the best in our community coming together, serving those who are under-served, those who are less fortunate in our society, in our community," Huntsman said, adding there are hopes that the community will help finance the clinic after the first year. "And it also serves as a reminder that some things in the American tradition, I like to think in the Utah tradition, never change."

In addition to Semnani and Holmes, hundreds of community, state, government, medical and religious leaders contributed to the clinic. Support and gratitude was expressed via letters from President Gordon B. Hinckley of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and also from Michael O. Leavitt, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and former Utah governor.

"I compliment you most warmly on this undertaking through which many individuals who have no medical insurance may receive care," President Hinckley said in the letter addressed to Semnani. "What a wonderful expression this is in behalf of the needy and destitute. May heaven smile upon you for your great kindness and concern for others."

In response to the letter, Semnani said: "This message clearly exemplifies that humanitarian work is universal and transcends any boundaries."

Calling his donation a "small contribution to the community," Semnani detailed the meaning behind the name of the clinic. Maliheh was the name of Semnani's grandmother, who taught him about charity and humanitarian work.

"As a practicing Muslim and a matriarch of our family, she always reminded us that God loves who serves others," he said.

The clinic operates Tuesday-Friday and is located on 415 E. 3900 South. For more information, go to malihehfreeclinic.org.

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E-mail: astowell@desnews.com