SAHI HEALTH TRUST DASKA, PAKISTAN
This is a Primary Healthcare Clinic in Daska, Pakistan.
We are invested in equitably advancing population health.
Emphasis on understanding and supporting the complex
interacting mechanisms by which primary care
influences health, equity, and health costs.
Who We Are
Sahi Charitable Trust/ Amanullah Sahi Dispensary is a free standing healthcare facility located at Daska, Pakistan.
This trust was established by the family of Brigadier G.R. Chowdhry (late) to address the basic healthcare, educational and recreational needs of the underserved population of Daska.
Daska is a sizeable town with a population of around 200,000 and has a significant industrial base. It is known for farming and sports equipment manufacturing. It has a relatively high literacy rate on account of a high density of educational institutions.
The free clinic was established in a suburban location near the BRB ( Bambanwala- Ravi-Bedian) Canal to improve the quality of lives of a relatively low income population residing in a high density area.
Sahi Clinic is comprises one facet of a multipronged approach to improve the lives of underprivileged people of Daska and its environs.
Some of the other initiatives being supported in addition the free clinic include:
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Four acre multipurpose sports ground and athletic field
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Girls school till grade V.( Sponsored by the family trust and supported by the Government of Punjab)
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Nutritional support for malnourished children
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Land donated to the town and maintained as a public graveyard
Free Clinic History:
The Clinic is named after our grandfather, Aman-Ullah Sahi and is located on the family’s ancestral land, re-acquired by our father, Brigadier (retd) G.R. Chowdhry. The clinic was established and has been in continuous operation since 2018.
The clinic building consists of multiple examination rooms and has been built with a view for expansion of services in the future.
There is a secure area for storing of pharmaceuticals and a dedicated area for patient examination .There is ample room for future expansion and the plans include the establishment of:
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Maternal-fetal health clinic.
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Prenatal nutritional advice
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Pre-natal health checks
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Ultrasound capability
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Dental Clinic
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Minor procedure center
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Telemedicine Consult Services
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Immunization Services
Where are we located?
Sahi Health Clinic is located in Daska Kalan.
We serve a population with a high poverty index with limited access to basic healthcare. Households are pushed into poverty when exposed to even minor medical illnesses and expenses.
We break this vicious cycle by providing free point of access care and also providing vital lifesaving medications such as Insulin on a continuous basis.
SERVICES OFFERED FREE OF COST AT THE POINT OF CARE
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HEALTH ASSESSMENT/ DIAGNOSTIC FACILITY
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3-5 medications provided free of cost
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Lab testing at reduced rates
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Vaccinations
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Maternal and Child health interventions and monitoring
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Referral to tertiary Healthcare Centers for appropriate diagnoses.
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Telemedicine link
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Free Cataract surgeries with intro-ocular lens implants on regular basis.
The Volunteering program is our longest running initiative, based on the premise that making a real difference is not only possible but vital. At Sahihealthtrust, Volunteering is a source of great pride for our Charitable Foundation.
Our Services
COMMON DIAGNOSES
The common diagnoses being addressed and managed in the order of frequency are:
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Diseases related to poor hygiene/ poor water quality:
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Gastroenteritis, diarrhea, Hepatitis A, Typhoid
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Vector borne diseases:
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Chingkungunya fever
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Dengue fever
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Respiratory illness:
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COPD/COLD due to high prevalence of tobacco smoking
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Skin infections:
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Scabies is very rampant
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Fungal infections
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Simple boils and abscesses
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Depression, Psychosomatic diseases.
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Anemia of pregnancy is very common due to malnutrition
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Basic pre-natal care
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Hypertension and Coronary Artery Disease
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COVID related illnesses
The clinic also hosts visiting teams for free cataract extraction and lens implantation.
We are currently in discussions with a Dental School to provide dental care on a visiting basis
Sahi Charitable trust employs:
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Licensed Physician.
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Licensed Paramedical provider
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There is either a nominal charge ( Rs. 20 / $ 0.05) or no charge at all for patients with no resources.
Our present daily volume is approximately 80-90 patients and we are open six days a week.
A 3-5 day supply of medications is given after the consultation and a follow up appointment in 5-7 days is often advised.
We maintain a comprehensive record of patients, diagnoses and treatment provided.
This is a paper record at present and will soon be digitized.
Patient Stories
Disease burden and patient stories.
The disease burden in Daska’s high density population with scarce resources and lack of access to clean water and sewage facilities is very high.
Interestingly the literacy rate is quite high and approaches approximately 78%.
We have also started educating our patients on basic hygiene and safe disposal of waste to address the root cause of a majority of the communicable diseases and water borne bacterial, viral and parasitic infections.
We also supply milk and nutritional support to destitute families in the areas surrounding the clinic.
Childhood malnutrition is a major cause of stunted physical and intellectual development.
This is an area that we wish to expand on in the future.
The patients whom we see express there deep appreciation for the services we provide and we have thousands of testimonials form grateful patients for intervening and helping in situations which would led to morbidity and even mortality if the treatment had not been commenced early on in the disease process.
We tend to see a significant number of patients who display advanced complications resulting from poor basic healthcare or undetected pathologies presenting in their advanced stages. We unfortunately do not have the means to address these issues, but are in the process of setting up a fund to help deserving people to seek further care in tertiary healthcare institutions.
Three such patients were helped in just one day of January 2023
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24 year old female with advanced craniopharyngoma encompassing the optic nerve and causing peripheral visual loss. Surgery was arranged and completely paid for. Patient is now doing very well.
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2 year old abandoned by his father on account of a congenital partial hearing deficit with consequent speech impediment. Hearing aids provided and the child can now hear and has started to form intelligible words.
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19 year old with Grand- Mal epilepsy leading to recurrent seizures and consequent injuries. This was due to an inability to buy medications. This patient has been assured a constant supply of his anti-seizure medications.
Our Team.
The team members
OUR GENEROUS SUPPORTER
With deep gratitude
Supporting Organizations
DHC. LOUISEVILLE KY.
Donate
Sahi Health Trust is a free health clinic in Daska, Pakistan. Our mission is to provide quality, affordable healthcare to the local population. We understand that many families are affected when the primary breadwinners are ill. That’s why we’re committed to providing the necessary services to keep everyone healthy and happy.
Our clinic is funded largely by donations from generous supporters. Please consider donating to help us keep our doors open and provide a safe and comfortable environment for patients. Your contribution will make a huge difference in the local community. Thank you for your support
