STORIES
Kutupalong Refugee Camp, Bangladesh // photo: Paul Jeffrey/ACT Alliance
Mobile Medical Clinics in Pakistan4/7/2026 compassionate action brings dignity to health care Sindh province in Pakistan is widely known for its vibrant craftsmanship and rich cultural heritage. The region paints a serene picture of its desert landscapes and a myriad ofcolors seeping through the fabric of local clothes. Yet, behind this cultural richness, many of its communities continue to struggle against years of inadequate infrastructure and harsh climatic conditions. Communities live at the mercy of recurring droughts, limited sanitation, and a growing hunger crisis. Livelihoods remain fragile, poverty widespread, and education and health care are both scarce and costly luxuries. In a place where choosing between livelihood and health is a constant dilemma, Community World Service Asia, a long-standing ecumenical partner with Week of Compassion, stepped in to offer something unprecedented: accessible medical assistance without the burden of sacrifice, a mobile health unit.  After battling years of painful losses and anguish from untreated illnesses, the arrival of free medical services on their doorstep was nothing short of a godsend for many who previously had to travel miles or sell livestock to afford treatment. In District Umerkot, with nearly 100,000 people, the medical camps are open to all men, women, and children, though it was women who expressed the most joy and relief. Active and alert in their roles as both caregivers at home and laborers in fields, they often bear the brunt of exhaustion from long hours of strenuous work, little rest, and lack of self‑care. Combined with scarcity of clean water and sanitation, women’s immunity is low, leaving them more vulnerable to illnesses and especially to pregnancy-related concerns. Radha, a mother of five from Kaplor, said: “Previously, even for a minor illness, we had to travel all the way to Umerkot city for a check‑up. This journey was not only exhausting but also very costly. The bus fare alone was difficult to manage, not to mention the doctor’s fee and medicine bills.” To add to the hardship, women were not allowed to travel on their own, making it mandatory to be accompanied by a male guardian, doubling the expense. She recalled how the overcrowded bus left them squeezed together, clutching their sick children, only to have them feel even worse. The entire trip cost nearly 3000 rupees ($10 US dollars), an amount that could otherwise feed their entire household. For her and countlessothers, the free medical clinic coming to their own region meant not only immediate relief but also peace of mind and dignity.  The mobile health units are staffed with a Women Medical Officer (WMO), Lady Health Visitor (LHV), Medical Technician, and Community Mobiliser to ensure efficient operations and cultural sensitivity. The WMO and LHV examine and diagnose patients, while the Medical Technician provides prescribed medicines. Community Mobilisers conduct health awareness sessions on disease prevention and basic health practices, including family planning counseling. In these camps, primary healthcare services and essential medicines are provided free of cost. Serious cases are referred to the nearest taluka and district hospitals for further treatment and diagnosis. The mobile health units continue to make stops from village to village, supporting communities with their health and medical needs. Since the first mobile clinic camp was launched in July 2025, 56 remote villages have been reached, engaging more than 26,000 participants through mobile health camps, curative health services, free essential medicines and health consultations, and community health education sessions.  Participants repeatedly share their appreciation for the medical support they received at the camp. These camps have not only treated thousands of patients but also restored dignity, hope, and resilience to families who had resigned themselves to suffering. The mobile health initiative has demonstrated that when healthcare is brought closer to the people, barriers of distance, cost, and neglect can be broken down, and preventable illness no longer needs to become a lifelong burden. As these units continue their journey from village to village, they stand as a testament to what is possible when communities are prioritised, partnerships are strengthened, and the health needs of even the most remote populations are met with compassion, commitment, and sustained action. Our deep gratitude to Community World Service Asia, and to Palwashay Arbab, Associate Regional Director CWSA, for the story details and photos shared here. Comments are closed.
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