Abbas’ Journey to Recovery

In a small village in Punjab, a young boy named Abbas had been suffering from unbearable leg pain that left him unable to play with his friends. His parents, Ali and Samina, were worried sick about their child’s health. But as daily wage earners, they couldn’t afford the medical treatment Abbas desperately needed. Samina, a devoted mother, would pray every night for a miracle to happen. She could not bear to see her son continue suffering, especially not knowing the reason for his pain.

Her prayers were finally answered when a team from Indus Hospital & Health Network visited their village to raise awareness about free medical treatment. A neighbor informed Samina about the team’s visit, and she immediately sought their help. With the support of Indus Hospital’s community engagement team, Abbas was referred to the Al-Ghazi Campus for a check-up. The doctor’s diagnosis revealed that Abbas had extremely low levels of vitamin D, a condition that was both astonishing and alarming.

Vitamin D deficiency is a common yet overlooked health issue, particularly in rural communities where access to healthcare and nutrition is limited. It can cause debilitating symptoms such as bone pain, muscle weakness, and fatigue. A research study examined vitamin D levels in almost 45,000 people from 5 South Asian countries (Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka), and alarmingly discovered that 68% had low vitamin D levels, with Pakistan having the highest percentage of low vitamin D (73%). 

Fortunately for Abbas, timely intervention and treatment provided by IHNN meant his journey to recovery could begin. His parents, Ali and Samina, were overjoyed to see their child’s health improve significantly and were very grateful to the entire team for providing free medical treatment to their son. Abbas recovered his health, playing with his friends and living a normal life. 

The Primary Care Program (PCP) at IHHN is focused on delivering essential medical services to thousands who would otherwise go without care. Through prevention, early detection, and timely intervention, it offers a wide range of services including maternal and child health, chronic disease management, and health education. With 81 primary care sites, IHHN strives to bring healthcare to the corners of Pakistan, reducing the burden of suffering on those most vulnerable, and we are incredibly proud to contribute to its journey.