Dubai: Low-cost health care for up to 200 patients a day will soon be a reality on the premises of the Pakistan Association in Dubai. During the annual dinner hosted by the Medical Wing of the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) on Friday, the details of the upcoming community project were shared. The Multi-speciality Medical Centre is being billed by the volunteers as the first of its kind in the UAE.
The centre will provide low-cost medical care to patients who do not have medical insurance and who cannot afford medical treatment. The centre will also have provisions to provide free treatment for deserving cases. The consultation fees for patients who can afford to pay will be as low as Dh50. The latest initiative will require funding and sponsorship, and is expected to be operational in the second half of 2014.
The PAD’s Medical Wing, which has more than 500 Pakistani doctors who practise in the UAE, has been active in health promotion and screening activities since 2009. It is also involved in regular relief efforts.
Last month, the Medical Wing reportedly sent around Dh10,000 worth of medicines towards relief efforts for people affected by the earthquake in Balochistan province which left 350 dead.
Every month the Wing hosts screenings at labour camps.
Using the strong volunteering concept they follow to provide medical care, members of the Medical Wing conceptualised the Pakistan Medical Centre Project.
Javed Jalil Khattak, the new consul general of Pakistan in Dubai and the chief guest at the event, addressed the members and guests.
He said, “The Pakistani community hopes to strengthen their support to community members.”
He called upon Pakistanis to rally for funding and sponsorship for the new project.
Speaking to Gulf News, Dr Faisal Ikram, gastroenterologist surgeon and the general secretary of the PAD, said the model of the medical centre will be based on a volunteer concept along with select paid staff.
“We hope to provide up to 200 patients a day with low-cost medical care with consultation fees as low as Dh50. We are looking for funding and sponsorship, and later licensing. The centre will have more than 10 specialities including gynaecology, dentistry, dermatology, paediatrics and orthopaedics.”
President of the Medical Wing Dr Nighat Aftab added, “The project is unique because since 2009 we have been offering a free camp once a month on the premises of Pakistan Association Dubai. Our patients need regular follow-up, and through this centre, we can provide that.”
