Real Life Stories Details
This story is a powerful example of the importance of mental health care and how early intervention can help address both psychological and physical issues. The counselling angle, especially in how Saim was referred to PAHCHAAN’s Counselling Centre for further evaluation, is crucial
Faisal’s Dedication: A Father’s Commitment to His Family’s Health
Tanya, a 24-year-old mother from Sheikhupura, and her daughter, Hiba, are benefiting from the services of the Mother and Child Health Promotion Centre (MCHPC), thanks to the proactive efforts of Tanya’s husband, Faisal. Faisal, who drives a loader rickshaw to support his family, has always been deeply involved in the well-being of his wife and daughter. When he noticed that Hiba, who had started walking at 10 months, was walking bow-legged and inwards, he didn’t hesitate to seek help.
Though Tanya had previously visited a health centre in Chunnia, it was Faisal who had heard about MCHPC through his village and local community. He learned about the centre’s reputation for providing comprehensive and compassionate care, and decided to bring Tanya and Hiba in for a check-up. This marked their first visit to the centre, and it quickly became clear that Faisal’s hands-on approach was key in ensuring his family’s health and well-being.
When they arrived at MCHPC, Faisal’s concerns for Hiba’s health were met with care and attention. LHV Maria and Dr. Tehmina took the time to assess Hiba’s condition and reassure both parents that, with proper care, Hiba’s walking issues could be addressed. Faisal, a dedicated father eager to do the best for his daughter, actively engaged with the medical staff and sought advice on how to support his family’s health moving forward.
At PAHCHAAN’s centres, the focus is not just on mothers and children, but on the whole family. This is why involving fathers, like Faisal, is a key part of the organisation’s approach. By encouraging male participation in health decisions and visits, PAHCHAAN
helps to ensure that families receive holistic support. Faisal’s engagement is a perfect example of how involving fathers in the process can have a positive impact on the entire family’s health and well-being.
Thanks to Faisal’s leadership and the support provided at MCHPC, Tanya and Hiba are now on a path to better health. His proactive involvement is a testament to the vital role fathers play in the care and nurturing of their families, and it reflects PAHCHAAN’s mission to build stronger, healthier communities by empowering both parents.
Saim’s Journey: Seeking Understanding and Support for Mental Health
Saim, a 12-year-old boy in grade 5, enjoys playing games like hide and seek, cricket, and football with his cousins. He also attends Madrassah in the evenings. However, Saim’s mother, Abida, became deeply concerned about his well-being when she noticed changes in his behavior. Saim began hearing voices while sleeping, his hearing seemed amplified, and he was talking in his sleep. His behavior was unsettling, and Abida didn’t know how to help her son.
In search of a solution, the family took Saim to a Peer for “dum” and exorcism, believing that a supernatural force, or “Saaya,” was affecting him. However, Abida’s worry continued to grow, and she eventually brought Saim to the Mother and Child Health Promotion Centre (MCHPC), where his condition was immediately addressed.
At the centre, Saim was thoroughly examined, and it was discovered that he had an ear infection, which could explain some of the hearing issues he was experiencing. He was prescribed antibiotics for the infection. But there was more to Saim’s situation. After speaking with him in depth, the doctor noticed troubling signs of sudden behavioral changes, which raised concerns about possible abuse. This prompted a referral to PAHCHAAN’s Counselling Centre for further psychological evaluation.
Saim began attending counseling sessions with the centre’s clinical psychologist, where he is receiving support and guidance to help him process his experiences. The psychologist’s expertise has been invaluable in addressing the underlying issues contributing to Saim’s mental health concerns, and he is gradually receiving the care he needs.
In addition to helping Saim, PAHCHAAN also provided essential counselling for Abida. She was educated on how misusing faith-based practices, such as exorcisms, can be harmful to a child’s mental health and well-being. The counselling helped Abida better
understand how to support Saim through his struggles in a healthy and constructive way.
Saim’s story highlights the importance of early intervention and psychological support for children who are experiencing mental health challenges. PAHCHAAN’s holistic approach, which includes medical care, psychological evaluation, and family education, ensures that children like Saim receive the comprehensive care they need to thrive.
Restoring Dignity: Bashir’s Road to Recovery with PAHCHAAN
Eighty-year-old Bashir Ahmed had always been a strong man. But time had taken its toll on him. His back ached, his legs wobbled, and one unfortunate day, he slipped in his small courtyard. The fall changed everything. At first, Bashir ignored the pain. “Just an old man’s bones creaking,” he told himself. But as the days passed, the pain turned unbearable. Walking became a struggle. His family had no transport, and he couldn’t walk the distance. His son had little time to take him to a proper doctor. He went to a “healer”—an untrained man who claimed to fix bones with herbal oils and forceful massages.
The so-called treatment was agony. Within days, Bashir could barely stand. Even sitting up was excruciating. His issue worsened overtime as he ended up in crutches. As his case got noticed at MCHPC Changa Manga through the community mobilizer, Iftikhar, the security attendant has been assisting. Bashir in reaching the health center as his mobility has been compromised. Now Bashir is getting symptomatic treatment for his multiple ailments and if need arises, he will be referred to hospital for further treatment.
Nusrat’s Journey: The Mental Strain of a Mother’s Love and Care
Nusrat, a mother of six, has been married for 20 years to her cousin, who earns a living as a rickshaw driver. Her life has been a constant balancing act, as she cares for her family, including three special needs children: Masooma (12), Atif Ali (10), and Kinza (7). These children have developmental issues, with larger heads and shorter torsos, and they face a host of health challenges, including frequent ear infections and body weakness.
Over the years, Nusrat has spent all the money she could muster on doctors’ visits, trying to find answers and solutions for her children’s health problems. Sadly, after her most recent trip to a hospital in Lahore, the doctors told her there was nothing more that could be done for her children and sent her home with no solution in sight. The two older children, Masooma and Atif Ali, who once attended school, can no longer do so due to their leg weakness, adding to Nusrat’s stress and concern about their future.
With no answers and feeling overwhelmed, Nusrat came to the Mother and Child Health Promotion Centre (MCHPC), where she broke down in tears, exhausted by the constant pressure of raising and caring for her children. She confessed to the staff, “Ab Bus Hogayee Hai”—meaning, “This is enough.” She was at her breaking point, feeling mentally and emotionally drained, not only from caring for her three special needs children but also from the guilt of feeling like her other three children were being neglected in the process.
Recognizing the immense emotional toll this situation was taking on Nusrat, the community mobiliser at MCHPC took her under her care and began counselling her to help alleviate some of the mental stress she was carrying. Nusrat is also supported by the centre’s clinical psychologist, who regularly visits and provides her with professional mental health care. This support has been a lifeline for Nusrat, helping her regain some emotional strength and clarity.
In addition to offering mental health support, MCHPC has been providing ongoing medical care for Nusrat’s children. Dr. Tehmina has arranged for them to be seen by an ENT specialist in Lahore to address their ongoing health issues. The children are also regularly checked and treated for their health concerns, with medications provided to manage their conditions.
Nusrat’s story underscores the critical importance of addressing the mental health of mothers who face immense challenges. At MCHPC, Nusrat is receiving not only the medical support she desperately needs for her children but also the mental health care that helps her cope with the emotional strain of her responsibilities. This holistic approach to care is allowing Nusrat to continue being the devoted mother she is, while also taking steps to prioritize her own well-being for the sake of her family.
Mohammad Daud , 33 , How clean water impacts communities
M.Daud lives in the slum area with his 5 children and wife. The water in this area is non drinkable. It turns green if it is left for some time showing alarming growth of fungus in the water. It has an Odor and cannot be used for cooking and drinking purposes. Daud like many others in his neighbourhood, relied on this murky water. The water was often contaminated, bringing with it a host of illnesses, his little ones frequently suffered from bouts of diarrhoea and stomach pain, forcing the parents into a near-constant cycle of worry and desperation. The number of waterborne diseases was high in this area before the installation of the filter plant.
“The bottles turn green if we use this water. After using the filtered water, the number of diseases and frequency of my children getting sick is getting reduced otherwise they would get sick often. I am thankful for the filtration plant installed in my area, it is of great use for us. We also get checked/treatment from MCHPC when need arises. Even if no male is present, the women of the house can go and get the children checked immediately as it is nearby. It is a big blessing for us.”
Success Story: Transforming Lives Through MCHPC
Meet a mother of three, who is expecting her fourth child in just two weeks. Since the opening of the Maternal and Child Health and Protection Center (MCHPC), she has been a regular visitor, making the journey from her home near Saggian Bridge—a bit farther from the center, but well worth it. Not only does she come for her own check-ups, but she also brings her family members and even visiting relatives to ensure they receive the care they need.
Before discovering MCHPC, she would spend a significant amount of money buying medicine from stores and visiting private doctors, which was financially burdensome, especially with so many children. However, since accessing the services at MCHPC, she no longer has to worry about the high costs of healthcare. The center provides free medication and counseling, helping her save money and redirect those funds to better care for her children.
With the money she has saved, she now looks forward to a special occasion: her eldest son Mattiullah’s birthday, which falls during Ramazan. She is planning to gather her family for a meal, creating precious memories together. Thanks to MCHPC, she now has both the health and the financial stability to focus on her family’s well-being.
This is just one of the many stories of how MCHPC is making a tangible difference in the lives of families, offering not just medical care, but the opportunity for brighter, healthier futures.
Mohammad Umar, 24: From Opposition to Advocacy
“Initially I was sceptical about MCHPC Saggiyan, urging my family to steer clear. My shop is near by the center. We are around 15 family members living in the same house. Now, females and children of my household are allowed to go to the center because of the care and attention they receive in this health facility. To be honest, I was reluctant to send them at first because initially I was not sure of the
treatments provided here but now I am satisfied with their services. The staff has been helpful during multiple situations. The staff, the counselling provided, the awareness sessions—they weren’t just clinical services; they were lifelines in a nurturing embrace. I had spent a while opposing something that directly benefited my family. Now I even spread the word in my community regarding the awareness sessions that they arrange.”
A Mother’s Fight: A Story of Hope and Healing
Sanober, 19 years had been coming to the Maternal and Child Health & Protection Center (MCHPC) Malikpur for her antenatal checkups ever since she found out she was expecting. The doctor always checked her with care. It made her feel safe. It made her feel like she was doing everything right for her child. But not everyone in her home saw it that way.
Her mother-in-law, a firm believer in old traditions, had other ideas.
“Why do you keep running to that clinic?” she scolded one evening, arms crossed, eyes sharp. “Our women have been giving birth at home for generations. No fancy doctors, no injections. Just the hands of a good Dai (traditional birth attendant)!”
At first, she tried to reason with her. She had learned so much at MCHPC about the first 1000 days of a newborn’s life—how to eat properly, what medicines were necessary, and why regular checkups mattered. But her MIL wouldn’t hear any of it. One morning, her mother-in-law took her to Dai and she started misguiding her, telling her to do heavy chores. The weeks passed, and she followed the Dai’s advice. 
After multiple fights, Sanober prioritized her child’s safety and moved to her parents’ house. The husband and mother started taking her again to MCHPC to get checkups and treatment. When the time came, a timely referral suggested by the doctor saved the life of the mother and the child. Now the same mother is getting her post-natal checkups and the child is getting her initial infantile vaccinations. A referral in time saved lives!