Access to healthcare is a basic human right. Yet for many underprivileged communities, especially women and children, quality healthcare remains out of reach. This is particularly true in the suburbs and rural areas surrounding major cities like Karachi, where poverty and lack of infrastructure create barriers to medical treatment.
What is Primary Healthcare and Why is it Important?
Primary healthcare refers to essential, basic medical services aimed at prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses. This includes services like routine checkups, immunizations and more.
Unlike specialty or tertiary care, the focus of primary care is on early intervention rather than reactionary treatment. Catching diseases and health issues early on can dramatically improve outcomes while reducing costs over the long run. As the old adage goes: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
For vulnerable and marginalized groups, access to primary care can actually mean the difference between life and death. It serves as the first line of defense for maintaining community health.
Introducing ZMT Primary Healthcare Network
ZMT stands for Zubaida Machiyara Trust, named in loving memory of Mrs. Zubaida Machiyara. The trust was started in 2011 by her son and our current President, Dr. Amanullah Kassim Machiyara, with the mission to bring vital medical services to underprivileged women and children living on the margins of Karachi society.
Over the past decade, ZMT has rapidly expanded to operate 41 clinics serving patients across suburban Karachi. So far, we have treated over 10 million patients and provided over Rs. 2 billion worth of services. This includes over Rs. 700 million in free medications for families who cannot afford them.
The Services We Provide
Our clinics offer a range of free public healthcare programs catered to the communities we serve, with a special focus on women’s and children’s health.
Some of our key program areas include:
- Eye Screening
- Hepatitis C
- Malnutrition
- Physiotherapy
- Mental Health
- Vaccination
We aim to provide compassionate, patient-centered care with dignity and respect. Our standard fee is Rs. 50 per visit, but we never turn away anyone who cannot afford treatment.
Join Us in Caring for Those in Need
At its core, ZMT represents the belief that everyone deserves access to primary healthcare services, regardless of age or economic status. We are working to create a more impactful healthcare system, but we cannot do it alone.
If ZMT’s mission resonates with you, there are a few ways you can help expand access to primary care across Karachi’s marginalized communities:
- Donate to help fund supplies, equipment and medications
- Volunteer your time and expertise at one of our clinics
- Spread the word about ZMT’s work to your family and friends
Quality healthcare empowers people to take control of their health and wellbeing. Together, we can bring care to those who need it most. Reach out today to get involved!
