All the thanklessness and self-pity you ever carried disappears when you enter
LAHORE: Currently, the only recognisable name of medical cancer treatment institutions in Pakistan is Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital. Humanity is associated with this hospital.
Two steps into the Lahore branch and it’s an entirely different universe you’re facing. Once you enter the hospital, there is something that is not outside, especially the children’s wing. All the thanklessness and self-pity you ever carried disappears beyond this point. There is a playroom, which is actually the heart of it all. Crying infants are forced in and when you want to take them back, they refuse. There is also a gift shop where children pick up their Ludo boards, colouring books and pencils for free. As the intolerable chemo fluids influence their bodies, they engage themselves in ludo. The chemo room is nothing but pain. It would be nothing if not for the anonymous people who visit, entertain and leave.
When the kids wear their costumes and twirl around to nursery rhymes and music during zakat events in summers, the pride that shines in their parents’ eyes reminds you that there is an alternate universe, a utopia.
Moomal Ahmed
Published in The Express Tribune, May 7th, 2017.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
