In the narrow, bustling corridors of Zakaria Goth, where the resilience of the community is often tested by the lack of basic infrastructure, a new beacon of hope has quietly taken root. Since December 2025, the Amna Shamima Foundation Mother and Child Health Care Center, operated under the banner of HANDS’ Aasan Sehat Program, has been more than just a clinic. It has become a sanctuary.
As we look back at the inaugural three months of data—a period stretching from the tail end of 2025 into the spring of 2026—the numbers tell a story of desperate need meeting decisive action. This isn’t just a report for our donors and supporters; it is a testament to what happens when compassion is backed by clinical excellence.
The Face of the Need
The data reveals a striking reality: the center is serving as a lifeline for women in their most critical years. Of the nearly 200 patients seen in this pilot phase, the vast majority are women between the ages of 20 and 40—the backbone of their families.
Take, for instance, the case of a young mother from Street 10. Like many in Zakria Goth, her access to diagnostic care was previously a distant luxury. Through the Aasan Sehat model, she was able to access high-quality Pelvic and Antenatal Ultrasounds for a fraction of the market cost. For these women, an ultrasound isn’t just a medical procedure; it is the peace of mind that comes from knowing their unborn child is healthy.
Beyond the Stethoscope: Addressing the Silent Epidemics
While maternal health is the center’s heartbeat, the “General OPD” data exposes the hidden struggles of the community. We are seeing a high prevalence of:
- Widespread Nutritional Deficiencies: “Whole body pain” is a recurring complaint among the women of the Goth. It is the physical manifestation of anemia and calcium depletion—the “silent hunger” that plagues low-income maternal cohorts.
- Pediatric Vulnerability: The data shows a surge in skin infections among young girls. In crowded urban settlements, these minor ailments can lead to major complications if left untreated. The Amna Shamima Foundation has stepped in to provide the dermatological care and hygiene education necessary to nip these infections in the bud.
The “Aasan Sehat” Impact: Dignity Over Charity
The genius of the HANDS model lies in its sustainability and dignity. By charging a nominal fee—100 PKR for a consultation and 300 PKR for an ultrasound—the center moves away from a “handout” culture. Instead, it empowers the women of Zakaria Goth as stakeholders in their own health.
Our supporters should know that every rupee contributed is being leveraged to keep these costs low while keeping the quality of care high. In just 90 days, we have established a “Monday-Tuesday” peak, where the center buzzes with activity as families seek care the moment our doors open for the week.
The Road Ahead: A Call to Our Partners
The pilot phase has been a resounding success, but it has also highlighted where we must grow. To our donors, your support has built the walls and bought the scanners, but the mission is evolving.
Our next steps include:
- Integrated Nutrition Programs: We must move from treating “body pain” to preventing it through fortified supplements and maternal milk programs.
- Expanded Outreach: While Streets 9 and 10 are frequenting the center, we need to reach the furthest corners of the settlement through Lady Health Worker (LHW) networks.
- Specialized Female Wellness: The demand for hormonal and reproductive health care is growing. We aim to introduce specialized clinics for adolescent girls and elderly women.
A Legacy in the Making
The Amna Shamima Foundation is not just a building; it is a promise kept. It is the promise that a woman’s postal code should not determine whether she survives childbirth. It is the promise that a young girl’s skin infection should not keep her out of school.
As we move further into 2026, we invite our supporters to look at the data not as statistics, but as lives changed. Every entry in our patient log represents a mother who can now care for her children, and a family that no longer has to choose between medicine and a meal.
The foundation is laid. The trust is built. Now, let us scale the impact.