21 months old, Khadija of Pakistan is getting treatment from
Indian doctors at Appolo Hospital Hydrabaad. This is the success story of
doctors fraternity who are often criticised for being money minded. This is not
the only example, there are many in sub-continent who prefers medical services
of India over costly treatments of U.S. and Europe.
Pakistani girl Khadija was a born deaf but now she can
listen to the voices of her parents. Doctors at Appolo Hyderabad have proved
that only sports, cinema, music cannot strengthen the bond of trust and love
between the two rivalry nations, but hospitality industry can do a lot too. The
cochlear implant surgery done on Khadija was free of cost. Khadijas parents,
Adnan Adeel and Sahar Bano bear only travelling expenses. This operation which
can cost around Rupees 12 lacks is sponsored by Society to Aid the Hearing
Impaired (SAHI) and Confederation of Voluntary Association (COVA). There are
many Khadijas who are getting treatment in India. According to a report the
Indian High Commission in Islamabad have issued as many as 1992 medical visa
from 2008-2010. Most of the Pakistani patients visit India to get medical care
for the problems of liver, heart and kidney.
Familiar customs and language make the visitors comfortable. Moreover,
Indians have a special emotional bonding for the peoples of neighbourhood
nation. A history has been created on February 2012, when the doctors of two nations
have done a complex liver transplant in Lahore.
Human relations cannot be undermined in any worst case
scenario of rivalry and under political bans. India and Pakistan always see at
each other with red gazing eyes of anger. Let it be cricket match, singing
competitions or political commentary, everything seems to be on edge. After
fighting four wars and holding disputes on many issues there is some space
between the two nations which is filled love, trust and hospitality. Indian
doctors have started what political leadership have failed to do for both the
nations. In past few years despite of political stiffness in dialogues
Pakistanis have preferred India for getting critical medical services and
treatments. Wounds of past is being healed by the doctors.
By: Mohammed Azam Khan
