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Low-cost medical care for Pakistanis on cards

A Dh4.5-million ambitious project that will provide low-cost medical treatment to needy Pakistanis is being readied.

To be run mostly by volunteer doctors from the Pakistani community, the not-for-profit medical centre will be able to provide treatment and medicines to an estimated 400 people on a daily basis.

To fund the needy community members who will be treated free of cost, a nominal fee of Dh25 will be charged to consult a general practitioner and Dh50 for a specialist from those who can afford to pay.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, head of the project Dr Mohammed Idrees Hafiz said a soft opening of the project was done two months ago. “We are currently in the process of fundraising which is being supported by well-off community members and also by the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD),” he said. Medical equipment has already been pledged by some members. A company based in Sialkot, where some of the world’s best medical equipment is made, has agreed to donate medical instruments.

However, no completion date of the project can be announced since it depends on the funds.

The project is the brain-child of the Pakistan Medical Wing, PAD that is being headed by Dr Nighat Aftab. The idea of the centre came about after the success of the monthly medical camp held on the association premises, explained Dr Idrees.

At least 7,000 needy Pakistani patients have been seen at the camp since it was started nearly four years ago. “However, poor patients neglected themselves and waited for the camp to take place on the last Friday of each month… so the medical wing came up with the idea to set up the centre.”

However, the camp does not take place for two months during the summer break.

“As per the plan, we will hire two GPs and a dentist but at least 10 specialists have agreed to volunteer for one-two hours at the centre,” said Dr Idrees. “The estimated cost of Dh4 million includes running the centre for one year, GP/dentist fees as well as miscellaneous costs.”

The centre will be built on an estimated 4,000 square feet within the PAD premises and will have 8-10 consultation rooms.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com