Howz Markaz e Shifa Works

concept

Run entirely on Sadqa and Zakat (donation and alms), Markaz is a free-of-charge medical service that is currently available in 11 areas in and around the outskirts of Karachi. A doctor is present one day of the week at a designated space in each area.

concept

When a patient visits Markaz-e-Shifa, they are initially assessed by the doctor who upon diagnosis prescribes either conventional allopathic medicine or homeopathic treatment. The homeopathy medicine can be obtained free of cost from the practitioner and some basic allopathic medicines for common ailments such as fever, cough and cold are also available. If a patient is diagnosed with an ailment that requires further specialized care or surgical procedure, they are referred to hospitals and facilities that offer them. Often times their treatment is also arranged through Markaz by sponsors and donors.

concept

Currently Markaz-e-Shifa treats approximately 1000-1500 patients a month, with an expanding capacity of treating about 2200 per month.

concept

Markaz runs entirely on a Zakat fund at an average of Rs.50,000- per month, which covers the doctor’s salary as well as medicine cost. Since Markaz is a sister concern of Rozgar, most of the spaces through which it operates are houses volunteered by people being supported through the Rozgar Fund. The rest of the spaces are at a nominal rent of Rs.1,500- per month.

concept

Through Markaz-e-Shifa, several children have successfully undergone heart surgery. Markaz has also played a key role in successful procedures of artifical limbs, hip joints, liver & kidney treatment, as well as handling accident cases. At an average Markaz sponsors treatments worth Rs. 2.5 million in a year.