Introduction:
The historical city of Thatta in Sindh, once known for its glorious past, is today battling severe foundational challenges. Recently, the Banuri Welfare Foundation team conducted a special visit to the underprivileged community of ‘Chalia’ in District Thatta to assess the ground realities and bring the true stories of deserving individuals to the world.
Our Observations & Alarming Survey Findings:
Our dedicated team conducted a door-to-door data collection drive across the area. The objective was not just to provide temporary relief, but to closely witness and document the living conditions of these communities. Our survey findings highlight the sheer magnitude of the crisis they face daily:
- Extreme Poverty: A staggering 75% of households are categorized as low-income, earning below PKR 40,000 per month.
- Lack of Basic Amenities: 81% of the population faces extreme water scarcity, forcing residents to fetch water from a nearby lake by carrying clay pots on their heads. Furthermore, 77% of the community reported enduring severe loadshedding of over 18 hours daily.
- Devastating Healthcare Crisis: Tragically, the child mortality rate is at 70%, with children under the age of 5 passing away due to malnutrition or premature birth. Additionally, 62% of children suffer from physical stunting (being visibly smaller or thinner) due to severe malnutrition.
- Barriers to Medical Access: When unwell, 98% of individuals reported skipping doctor visits because the cost of consultation or medicine is simply too high, while 74% stated that the nearest health facility is too far or difficult to reach.
- High Illiteracy: The right to education remains a distant dream, with an illiteracy rate of 59% among children and 41% among adults.
Banuri Welfare Foundation’s Historic Decision:
Witnessing this alarming healthcare crisis and the profound lack of medical infrastructure, the Banuri Welfare Foundation has made a monumental decision. We have resolved to construct a large, state-of-the-art hospital in Thatta.
This hospital aims to bring high-quality, accessible, and free healthcare directly to the community’s doorstep. Recognizing the critical needs identified in our survey, the facility will place a strong emphasis on providing specialized care, including Gynaecologists for women’s health and Paediatricians for child health. Our mission is to ensure that no individual is ever deprived of life-saving medical care simply because of financial constraints or distance.
Stand With Us:
The innocent faces of Thatta and their untold stories are a stark reminder of how much work remains. Join hands with the Banuri Welfare Foundation in this monumental hospital project. Together, we can spread the light of hope, health, and prosperity in these marginalized communities.
