Medical services: Residents of Bachal Shah Miani receive free treatment

The camp is organised by Sanam Fakir Welfare Association every month .

Our Correspondent March 03, 2013

PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE

SUKKUR: More than three hundred patients, unable to afford medical treatment on their own, received free check-up and medicines in Bachal Shah Miani at the annual medical camp organised by the Sanam Fakir Welfare Association on Sunday.

“This medical camp is a blessing for the residents, as most of us are very poor and cannot afford to go to the doctor and purchase costly medicines,” said a patient, Shama, who is suffering from a chest infection. She lamented that government hospitals were not providing treatment or medicines to the people.

Khadim Ali was suffering from fever and chest congestion and had come for a check-up at the camp. He told The Express Tribune that he was a labourer and could not make ends meet with his minimal wage. “I cannot afford to purchase medicines but because of this free medical camp, which is a regular event in the area, we receive proper treatments for our ailments.”

Clad in a burqa, Mai Parwani had come to the medical camp because of a migraine. “We don’t have any doctor in our area and have to go in to the city for medical help,” she said. “This is much more convenient and of course, cost-effective.”

Dr Jawed Mahar, who was looking after the patients, told The Express Tribune that he was attending to those at the clinic while Dr Shahnawaz was paying visits to those patients who could not come.

Majority of the people living in this area are very poor and cannot afford to pay for a check-up or medicines, and that is why we look after them at this camp, he said.

Sanam Fakir, the president of her namesake association, told The Express Tribune that it was difficult for her to serve the people in need alone. She did not have sufficient funds required to run such medical camps. “Many philanthropists of Sukkur, who prefer to stay anonymous, donate generously and I get to serve humanity with that money.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 4^th, 2013.