PWA - At a Glance

In the heart of Karachi lies Civil Hospital, the largest tertiary health care facility. The number of people approaching Civil Hospital daily runs in thousands. Most of these people belong to low socio-economic class, not capable of affording two decent meals a day, let alone bear the burden of basic medical facilities.

This dismal situation was realized by three students of Dow Medical College and their struggle for better health facilities for the poor patients of Civil Hospital, Karachi led to the foundation of Patients’ Welfare Association (PWA) in 1979.  The grim reality that the death of patients because of lack of money for treatment is an almost daily occurrence in a society that lacked the resources to provide them with the necessary health care, left their conscientious minds with no choice but to start this project.

At its origin, PWA stood as a single cabinet of medicines. Today, PWA shines as the largest student run non-political and non-governmental organization in Pakistan, run by the students of Dow Medical College on absolute voluntary basis.

Most importantly :

  • All the services provided by PWA are ‘free of cost’
  • Although the horizons of welfare are expanding day by day, PWA has managed to account for every rupee that we are handed.
  • All workers are zealous medical students of Dow Medical College who voluntarily dedicate their strength and time for the benefit of those who need it the most.

 

The structure of the organization comprises of the following departments, each contributing its share towards one goal- to feel and to serve. Of these, the working departments include:

Drug Bank
Blood Bank
Diagnostic Laboratory
Follow Up Clinics comprising of

In addition, the supporting departments ensure that the working departments run in a smooth fashion. These include:

Administration and Planning
Media Communication
Publications
Records and Registration.