Free Quality Healthcare, A Basic Human Right

Every day, without our conscious awareness, countless individuals are deprived of their basic human rights, trapped in cruel reality all around the globe . As we go about our lives, injustices persist, often invisible, sometimes normalized, making it easy to forget that these fundamental rights should be universal, inalienable, and protected for all. 

We do realise that healthcare is not a privilege, it is a basic human right that every individual, regardless of their gender, age, or wealth, should be able to access when they need it most.

This is why days like December 10th serve as powerful reminders that we must never turn a blind eye to those who are suffering under the weight of inequality or lack of access to basic rights in any aspect of life. This day serves as a powerful call to action for those whose rights are yet to be defended, whose voices still need to be heard, and whose suffering demands our collective efforts to alleviate. It is a day to inspire us all to stand up, speak out, and reaffirm our shared responsibility to uphold the dignity and freedoms of every human being.

This day also honors the tireless advocates who fight for human rights in all their forms, particularly in the sector of healthcare. Because healthcare is a basic human right. Organizations like Patients’ Aid are doing remarkable work to address healthcare needs at JPMC, providing humanitarian relief to those battling severe illnesses and offering critical support to people facing life-threatening health conditions. Their efforts remind us that the fight for human rights is ongoing, and it’s one we must all actively take part in.

The role of Patients’ Aid in fighting healthcare inequality

Healthcare disparities are real. Imagine a child born into this world, full of potential, but facing life-threatening conditions. That child deserves a chance, a chance to grow, to live, and to receive the care they need without delay. Imagine a woman, in the pain of labor, needing urgent care to ensure her survival and that of her child. She deserves the highest quality of treatment, with no barriers, no price tags attached. A man who has been in a tragic accident should be rushed to the emergency room, his life saved, no questions asked. And a cancer patient shouldn’t have to wonder if they can afford their next round of treatment. 

These are not just hypothetical situations. These are the realities faced by millions of people every day, children, women, men, the young and the old, whose access to healthcare is hindered often by their financial circumstances. No one deserves to face these hardships. Yet, this is the world we live in, and that is why organizations like Patients’ Aid are so critical. 

The Patients’ Aid Foundation’s newly revamped Gynaecology and Obstetrics Ward at JPMC, Karachi, provides free, high-quality care to over 25,000 underprivileged women annually. This initiative, supported by generous donors, aims to ensure the health and well-being of mothers and newborns. If you want to play your part in supporting the lives of these innocent newborns and women, click here to donate.

At Jinnah Hospital in Karachi, Patients’ Aid has been a lifeline for those who have no other options. People come from the farthest corners of Pakistan, rural villages and impoverished communities, seeking help, seeking hope. From thalassemia patients in desperate need of blood to those suffering from kidney stones, and from cancer patients struggling to fund their treatment to accident victims who simply need urgent medical care, Patients’ Aid is there to support them at JPMC, making sure that no one is turned away. Their humanitarian initiatives ensure that healthcare remains a right, and that no person is deprived of this right, forced to suffer, or, in the worst cases, face death due to lack of medical care.

Health has the power to build strong nations

It is clear that good health is the foundation of individual success and national prosperity. Whether excelling in education, business, or leadership, healthy individuals drive innovation and create positive change.

The strength of a nation is directly tied to the health of its people. A country with access to quality healthcare, where its citizens are empowered to live healthy lives, is far more likely to succeed economically, socially, and culturally. This is why Patients’ Aid at JPMC plays a major role in building effective healthcare systems that not only treat illness but also focus on prevention, early intervention, and long-term health solutions.

Through their continuous efforts, they are ensuring that people are free from the burden of chronic health issues, allowing them to work, learn, and contribute to society.

How can you make a difference?

But they cannot do it alone. The need is urgent, and the burden is significant. If we believe that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and care in their time of need, then we must act. Your contribution, no matter the size, can provide life-saving treatment, hope, and a future for those who might otherwise have none.

Let’s unite to ensure that everyone has access to their basic rights. Let us be their voices and extend a hand to those in need. They are part of our society, and our religion Islam encourages us to support them. Through sadaqah/khairaat, and zakat, we can make a meaningful difference in providing essential healthcare to those who need it most.

Patients’ aid believe no one should be denied the care they deserve. Join us today in the fight for healthcare equality, ensuring that healthcare remains a universal right, accessible to all.

Together, we can build a future where healthcare is a universal right. Join our ‘Roz ka Sadqah’ initiative today and help bring healing to the most vulnerable members of our society.

Together, we can ensure a healthier, stronger future for everyone.