By Venita Christopher
According to the World Population Review 2020, Islamabad, the Capital city, is home to 1.7 million people and is expected to grow to 2.2 million by 2030. A report published by UNICEF in July 2020, Profile of Slums/Underserved areas of Islamabad, reported that approximately (38%) of the total population of Islamabad lives in slums/underserved areas. 3% of residents of slums/underserved areas are temporarily displaced or migrants from other parts of the country, while 8% are non-Natives. Rimsha Colony H-9 is also one of the underserved areas of Islamabad that was established in 2012. Today, many informal Christian settlements live here without electricity, water, shelter, and basic health care.
Health issues of the informal settlers of Rimsha Colony:
The informal settlers of the Rimsha Colony lack health care facilities. After surveying the colony to report the basic health issues, Ravadar Minority Women network uncovered that the housing structures are weak and still people are living in tents without proper shelter. There is also little access to safe sanitation and limited water. People used to purchase water from nearby markets at a high price, and some got impure water from the well near their residential graveyard. The absence of liquid and solid waste management services makes the surrounding extremely unhygienic, and the risk of disease outbreaks is very high.
During the project, Team Ravadar discovered that malnutrition is a basic problem affecting many children. The checkup fee for doctors is out of reach for these poor settlers and due to malnutrition and lack of hygienic food, there is a high risk of diseases among them. People cannot afford expensive medicines even when their children are suffering from fever, diarrhea, and cold. In addition to researching the health issues of women in the area, Ravadar Women Network also conducted interviews with women. Women suffer from Hypertension, osteoporosis, and vitamin deficiency in their bodies. The area lacks lady health workers and doctors, and there is only one male doctor with whom women feel uncomfortable discussing their health issues. The doctor also charges 200 PKR per visit, which they cannot afford.
Medical Camp by Ravadar Minority Women Network:
Considering the vulnerability of the poor informal settlers, Ravadar minority women network decided to set up a two-day free medical camp in Rimsha Colony. The camp was scheduled to take place on the 26th and 27th of February, 2022, providing residents the opportunity to receive free checkups and free medicines. Children, women, and men were examined by two male doctors and one female doctor.
During an interview with one of the women at camp, Shazia Joseph*who said, “I have diabetes and most of the time my Blood sugar level rises above the normal level, and my condition gets worse. I do not have the means to check my sugar level. Because I am a poor lady, I cannot afford the doctor’s fees as my health gets worse anytime”.
A woman named Parveen Masih* stated, “I have osteoporosis. I live in such a poor condition that I cannot afford basic foods such as milk and hygienic food. Due to my weak joints, I find it difficult to work or even walk.”
Male doctors at the camp also checked the men in the community. In their study, they found that most males suffer from hypertension and that excessive alcohol consumption weakens their bodies. Doctors provided free medicines and advice to such male individuals to help them improve their health.
Additionally, when one of the kids was interviewed, he shared, “I have typhoid and my condition is very poor. Due to the lack of medicines and food, I feel lethargic. My parents cannot even afford my treatment.”
Around 300 children and females in the Rimsha colony, as well as men, were provided with free medical checkups and medicines. Due to the lady doctor at camp, the women were extremely satisfied with the treatment they received. Ravadar is trying to establish camps in other informal settlements of Islamabad where people are living in extreme poverty.
The residents of the Rimsha colony and underserved areas of Islamabad should be provided with proper basic health services and medicines.
*Note: The name of the interviewees have been changed for the protection of their identities
