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I came to Karachi from Balochistan with my children in 2022. The water level was increasing due to the unprecedented monsoons, so when we heard of a truck coming towards Karachi, we got in. There was no time to think twice, the only thing we carried were the clothes on our body. I remember looking back at my husband who consoled me that everything would be well and he would join us soon.

In Karachi, my three-year-old son Ali* would frequently have a chest infection and cry uncontrollably due to hunger. I was hesitant to take him to a doctor because I knew I couldn’t afford the consultation fees, let alone the medications. I continued to pray to the Almighty to heal Ali; I felt helpless and would cry when Ali wasn’t looking at me. I didn’t want to appear weak in front of him, but I was gradually losing the battle to be strong.

It was one of the women in the community who realized something was not right; I couldn‘t hide my teary eyes. She was truly an Angel as she informed me about the free of charge Mother and Child Health Care at MALC clinic.

The doctor at the clinic informed me that Ali was malnourished and therefore registered him in the Nutrition Program where he was provided with semolina, milk, sugar and oil. I was filled with hope; as time passed the nutritional supplements didn’t only satisfy his hunger and increase his weight, I also got to see my child’s lost smile, for which i’m deeply indebted to the Clinic.

Aftab*, like any 3 year old child was playful. One day he fell down after which he couldn’t stand on his feet. His parents rushed him to the nearest hospital where they were told that he has a disability and should accept him with it. His mother was flabbergasted because Aftab* was walking all this while until he fell down. She wanted reasons for his condition but no doctor was able to answer. Whichever doctor they visited, they were asked to conduct x-rays  but a diagnosis could not be made.

Finally, one doctor asked them to do a MRI which costed Rs. 20,000. Aftab’s* father, a painter by profession, could not afford the fees. It was their family friends and relatives who collectively contributed for the MRI after which they found out about Aftab’s* diagnosis which was spinal TB. They went to one of the renowned private hospitals in the city but the medicines didn’t do him any good.

When he came to MALC, his lower limb was paralyzed. We could see the pain in his eyes. He had fever and was constantly crying. Once his TB treatment was started, within few weeks he started taking baby steps; first with support and then finally on his own. “What a joy it was to see him walking again” said Aftab’s mother with watery eyes. Today, Aftab* is TB free.

Malik*, a 58 year old man stays with his wife, three sons and daughter in law in Landhi , Karachi. He and his sons run a general store for sustenance.

One day, Malik* saw a patch in his hand which swelled up. The swelling made him anxious so he showed it to around 6 – 7 doctors in Karachi but was left dismayed. When he discussed his condition with his relatives in Mirpurkhas, a city located 231.8 km from Karachi, they advised him to visit a doctor there. Therefore, Malik* set out on his journey with the hope the swelling would go away.

When he visited the centre in Mirpurkhas , they suspected it was Leprosy and referred him to MALC in Karachi. Malik* didn’t waste any time and visited MALC Hospital where he was diagnosed with Leprosy and admitted for complications. By that time, his legs had also swollen, and his diabetes made it challenging for him to move. Malik* was eager to help his sons run the store while they were managing it at the time he was admitted.

“At first, I was a little afraid when the doctor in Mirpurkhas told me that it could be Leprosy but when I was admitted at MALC Hospital my
anxiety subsided after I started interacting with other patients. I felt better as my treatment progressed ” said Malik*.

Malik* has returned to working at the general store today and he wishes to convey his sincere gratitude for the care and assistance
provided to him while he was a patient at MALC Hospital.

In 2020, when we were all locked down due to COVID, I noticed I had a fever that wasn’t normalizing. I started feeling weak from the previous year and my weight was decreasing. I consulted many doctors, got many tests done and took medicines which gave no relief. There was no proper diagnosis of my illness.

Prior to 2020, I would spend my time teaching in a religious school (madrassa), I was passionate about teaching children but had to leave because of my ailing health. 

Our neighbor suspected I had TB and referred me to MALC. At MALC, after my Chest X-Ray, my diagnosis was confirmed. It was a relief that at least I knew what I was suffering from and I could start proper treatment.  Today, I’m TB free and can go back to teaching the students.

Hameeda* is a sixty-five year old woman whose family comprises of eleven members. Her husband and son work as farmers to support the family. With their meagre income, they are unable to make ends meet.

In 2019, Hameeda* realized that she could no longer see during the day. Her eyesight deteriorated to an extent where she needed someone’s support to go to the toilet. It saddened her as she was confined to a room and could not perform activities independently. What she missed most was to go outdoors and breathe the fresh air. She was aware that they could not afford surgery and was therefore suffering silently. Until, one day, her son came running with joy to her with a pamphlet in his hand. He was full of hope for his mother. The pamphlet contained details of a free of charge Surgical Eye Camp.

He took her on his bike and they travelled 16 km to the camp site where she was operated for Cataract. When her bandage was removed, the first thing she told our team “I’ll be able to see my daughter in law, thank you for restoring my sight.”

Hameeda’s life has resumed to normal. She is now able to see everything and intends on assisting in the family income by working in the field.

For the past five years, Khalid* is dependent on a wheelchair for mobility; an accident led to his physical disability. He was hardly coping with his physical disability, when after 3 years he noticed his vision blurring. He could no longer see the direction to push the wheels with his hand and feared of falling down. They are in total nine family members and two of his sons work as farmers. With the house rent accumulating every month, they barely have sufficient money to eat.

Khalid* felt helpless because he was now completely dependent on others. He used to remain lost, thinking of the good old days, which went by. He happened to be in the mosque when the religious reader made an announcement of the free surgical eye camp. Khalid immediately informed his son who took him on his motorcycle to the camp site. It was difficult for his son to ride the two-wheeler eleven km because he had to balance the wheelchair as well, but for the love of his father he was determined on doing anything.

Khalid* was successfully operated at the camp for Cataract. Even though he was happy that he was able to see, he wished that he would be able to walk someday. He is thankful that he is able to go to the mosque without any hindrance.