Since its launch in October 2020, the Pakistan Medical Centre in Dubai has helped thousands of patients by providing them free medical care. In the past few months, the medical center has provided necessary medical services to more than 2,500 people in need.

Speaking to the National News, the Centre's medical director, Dr. Nasim Sabir, said that the majority of patients have received medical help free of cost while others have been given appropriate discounts in order to support them in need.

Recently, Shagufta Nasreen, a 39-year-old single mother based in Dubai, sought help from the facility for her 14-year-old son Ghazi who has type 1 diabetes. She earns about Dh700 a month from a small catering business that she runs from her home. In order to help Ms. Nasreen, the facility conducted free medical examinations of Ghazi and is delivering necessary medicine and insulin at their doorstep.

“It was really difficult to afford all of this on my own. The cost of all of the tests, medicine, and insulin was coming to thousands of dirhams. I don’t even earn Dh1,000 per month; how would we afford to cover those costs?" Ms. Nasreen said.

She further expressed gratitude towards the Pakistan Medical Centre for helping her son during the difficult time.

Suffering from osteoarthritis and thyroid issues, 65-year-old Dubai resident Nighat Farooqi also approached the center for help. After conducting tests and check-ups, the medical center provided appropriate medicines to Ms. Farooqi, including an injection that she has to take every six months.

“I have unbearable pain because of the osteoarthritis. It causes so much pain in my bones and muscles, it’s difficult to move,” she said.

Ms. Farooqi moved to the UAE 40 years ago and worked as a teacher for several decades before her retirement. Later, she was supported by her daughter, but she lost her job in the aviation sector less than a year ago due to unprecedented circumstances.

“We manage to arrange money for food somehow, but the rest is incredibly difficult,” Ms. Farooqi added.

The Pakistan Association Dubai overseas the Dh20 million non-profit healthcare center and it is open to everyone in the country. The medical center is supported by the Community Development Authority in Dubai and other relevant individuals. It has collaborated with a number of private hospitals, including American Hospital and Mediclinic Middle East, to deliver necessary healthcare services to people in need.

Dr. Sabir, who is a pathologist and microbiologist, noted that the Pakistan Medical Centre is a multi-specialty polyclinic that offers a wide range of healthcare services such as dental, pediatrics, cardiology, women’s health, orthopedics, physiotherapy, among others. The Centre provides treatments to patients with acute and chronic medical problems, along with referrals to those who require further treatment.

“We also educate our patients and advise them on managing their lifestyle and preventing disease," Dr. Sabir added.

He underlined that patients who are unable to pay the fees are provided with free treatment without any discrimination. Noting that the Centre has a very transparent welfare process, he highlighted that there is a welfare officer on the premises at all times who evaluates the patient's financial status and provides the required support.

“The decisions are made solely on humanitarian grounds and we ensure no deserving patient is turned away. The project is a model of tolerance from the Pakistani community and is in line with the vision of the UAE government of tolerance and inclusion," Dr. Sabir affirmed.

The Centre is located Oud Metha and people can contact the facility on 04 337 3632.