Pakistan Catholic Parish Holds First Medical Camp to Serve Christian and Muslim Communities

Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sahiwal, eastern Pakistan, hosted its first free medical camp on October 4, bringing health services to local Christian and Muslim families as part of the parish’s humanitarian and interfaith outreach.

The day-long camp, organized in partnership with the Holistic Health Care Center Sahiwal, was led by parish priest Fr. Nadeem Joseph, OP. It provided medical consultations and treatment to 165 people, including 105 women and 70 men, according to the organizers.

Sahiwal is a city in Punjab province in eastern Pakistan, about 180 kilometers southwest of Lahore. The area has a significant agricultural and rural population, including communities that face limited access to specialized health services.

A medical team provided consultations in pediatrics, general medicine and physical therapy. The initiative was organized as part of the parish’s efforts to serve vulnerable families and strengthen peaceful relations between Christian and Muslim communities.

“Our goal is to serve humanity without discrimination, promote health and well-being among underserved communities, and build bridges of interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence,” Fr. Nadeem said.

“Rooted in the Gospel values of compassion and love for one’s neighbor, this initiative reflects our pastoral commitment to walk alongside vulnerable families, offering both healing and hope,” he added.

Ashaknaz Khokhar, general secretary of the Active Youth Group, emphasized the importance of preventive health care, particularly in low-income communities.

“Regular check-ups are essential for ordinary citizens because many chronic conditions develop without early symptoms,” Khokhar said. “Screening allows families to identify health concerns early, reduce medical costs, and maintain a better quality of life.”

Khokhar thanked Fr. Nadeem, the Holistic Health Care Center, doctors and youth volunteers for supporting the initiative.

“Their selfless service reflects true solidarity with vulnerable families in Sahiwal,” Khokhar said.

Physical therapist Dr. Kinza Ehtisham said many people in local communities experience chronic back, joint and muscle pain because of physically demanding work and limited awareness of proper posture and workplace practices.

“Early physical therapy assessment and posture guidance are essential to restore mobility, prevent long-term disability, and help people maintain their daily livelihoods,” she said.

She also highlighted the importance of bringing specialized services directly to communities with limited access to health care.

“The enthusiasm and gratitude of the patients demonstrate just how vital these services are for families who otherwise lack access to specialized healthcare,” Ehtisham said.

Suraiya, 52, a local mother of two, said the availability of free consultations and medicine was particularly valuable for families with limited incomes.

“As a mother, my priority is always my children’s health, but private medical consultations and medicines are often beyond our monthly budget,” she said. “Having qualified doctors and free medicine available right in our neighborhood is a true blessing.”

Parish leaders thanked the doctors, health care personnel and volunteers who supported the medical camp.

Following the first camp, the parish announced plans to organize similar initiatives regularly and extend the outreach to surrounding substations, continuing its efforts to serve local communities regardless of religious background.