On August 6, 2023, Rotary Club Lahore Jinnah District 3272 embarked on a mission to provide vital healthcare services to the underprivileged community of Basti Bohar Wali. This settlement, nestled approximately 18 km from Lahore Airport on Barki Road, not only grapples with the challenges of lacking basic facilities but also faces pressing health issues. Recognizing the urgent need for medical attention, our club selected this area for a Free General Medical Camp.
The team, led by passionate Rotarians and dedicated volunteers, set out to make a difference:
Rotary Club Members Present:
- Rotarian Khawaja Muhammad Nasir – Club Secretary
- PP Satwat Mahmood Butt – Club Treasurer
- PP Dr. Aliya Qureshi – Chair Club Membership Committee
- PP Shazia Zaffar – Chair Club Public Image Committee
- Rotarian Saira Zaffar – Chair Club Youth Committee
Volunteer Doctors:
- PP Dr. Aliya Qureshi
- Dr. Shafqat
- Dr. Irfan
Guests:
- Rotarian Shaheen Ahmed of Rotary Club Lahore Crescent
- Zeeshan Ahmed
- Khalid
- Bilal
Basti Bohar Wali, home to approximately 3000 houses, predominantly houses daily wage workers and small-scale farmers. The lack of clean drinking water due to an open drain carrying polluted water from India, dating back to pre-1947, has led to toxic underground water and rampant diseases, including hepatitis.
Our camp kicked off at 10 AM and extended its services until 2 PM.
The response was heartening – when we arrived at 9:50 AM, around 50 patients were already waiting in anticipation.
The diligent efforts made in publicizing the camp through announcements and banners in the area bore fruit.
The results of the camp were impactful and reflective of the community’s healthcare needs:
Total Turnout:
- 200+ patients
- Children: 70%
- Women: 25%
- Men: 5%
The ailments ranged from scabies, infectious diseases, and respiratory allergies to dermatology issues and ear infections.
The dedication of our volunteer doctors, especially PP Dr. Aliya Qureshi and her team, Dr. Irfan and Shafqat, was truly commendable.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rotarian Shaheen Ahmed of Rotary Lahore Crescent, the residents of Barki, and our helpers Khalid, Bilal, Abdul Wahid, and Khadija, along with their families.
Their help in arranging the camp and providing space was invaluable.
A special mention to Rotarian Shaheen Ahmed, who provided our Club Secretary Khawaja Muhammad Nasir with an enlightening tour of the area before the camp.
Funding for the camp, including the purchase of medicines, rental of shade tents, chairs, tables, fans, tea, water, and lunch, was made possible through collective efforts.
This initiative marked the first medical camp of DG Masrur J Sheikh’s tenure, adding significance to our service.
Looking forward, Rotary Club Lahore Jinnah District 3272 plans to organize a Tree Plantation event in the area in August 2023.
The next free medical camp is scheduled for October 2023.
We extend an open invitation to fellow Rotary Clubs to join hands with us in these impactful projects.
Stay tuned for our upcoming Tree Plantation Activity Report!