Health for All: Dhirkot Awami Medical Camp Strengthens Commitment to Universal Healthcare

ISLAMABAD - Oct. 27, 2024 - PRLog -- In a major step to address urgent healthcare needs and promote economic empowerment, Pakistan Awami Quwat organized a one-day medical camp in collaboration with Rawal Institute of Health Sciences  at Dhirkot, Azad Kashmir. This event was part of PAQ's larger vision for a sustainable future by empowering communities through health, education, and skill development. Over 3,000 residents attended, receiving free consultations, medications, and specialized care in areas such as cardiology, gynecology, ENT, and orthopedics, which met Dhirkot's critical healthcare needs. The event also marked the launch of the Awami Health Card, a family health insurance plan priced at an affordable PKR 13,500 annually. Announcing the card at a public gathering, PAQ leader Khaqan Waheed Khawaja emphasized its importance for making healthcare accessible for all, particularly in regions where financial barriers restrict medical access. "Our mission is to ensure that every citizen has healthcare coverage without financial worry," Khawaja stated. "The Awami Health Card isn't only a health initiative—it's a commitment to social upliftment and a pathway to reducing healthcare inequality." The medical camp provided specialized services to meet the unique health challenges faced by Dhirkot's residents, including waterborne diseases, lifestyle-related illnesses, and other common issues exacerbated by limited healthcare facilities in the area. Community members expressed immense gratitude for the care provided, with the camp exceeding its set timeframe to accommodate as many patients as possible.During his address, Mr. Khawaja highlighted the role of community-led development, stating, "The power of the people lies in collaboration. Together, we can address our own needs, including healthcare challenges, without solely relying on outside support." He urged the youth to embrace education and skills development, explaining that PAQ supports their journey towards self-sufficiency and social empowerment. As part of this vision, Khawaja emphasized PAQ's commitment to decentralization, advocating for local decision-making to allow communities to craft their own solutions to unique challenges. Professor Dr. Muhammad Shakeel Ahmad, an expert in health and climate change, spoke about the intersection of climate change and public health, emphasizing how it heightens risks of waterborne and dietary diseases.  Dr. Ahmad's research into the health impacts of climate change provides a strong foundation for future health policies in the region, potentially informing broader policy shifts to mitigate these risks. Through the combined impact of the medical camp and the introduction of the Awami Health Card, PAQ has demonstrated its commitment to accessible healthcare, skill development, and self-reliance in underserved areas like Dhirkot. The event also sparked plans for a state-of-the-art healthcare facility in Dhirkot, marking PAQ's dedication to long-term health solutions and strengthening community resilience.