Zar Khan lives in a small village of district Peshawar. He has six children, out of whom his three oldest ones are married with families of their own. He was born in a poor family and having had no education he did odd jobs till he found permanent work as a taxi driver. He would get up at dawn and return home late at night just so that he could put food on the table and a roof over their heads. Though it was his fondest wish to send his children to school but he was unable to afford their fees.
Years passed and his children grew up, with time his burden has eased with his son working as a laborer and his two daughters doing embroidery on shawls. Despite their combined income they are unable to save as whatever they have goes into Zar’s wife’s treatment who has diabetes and high blood pressure.
A couple of months ago Zar too faced with a health issue, he felt that his right eye vision was deteriorating. He was unable to see clearly and often had difficulty driving at night. Knowing his livelihood depended on being able to see and driving the taxi, he confided in his brother who took him to LRBT Akora Khattak for a checkup.
Zar was worried, he fervently prayed that it was not something permanent. Fortunately for him his fears were laid to rest, he had cataract which was treatable through surgery. His other fear of the costs associated with the surgery were also laid to rest when he was told that treatment at LRBT is free of cost for the poor.
Zar’s relief upon hearing this was palpable. He had a successful surgery and is back to work. On his follow-up visit he profusely thanked the staff and wished LRBT continued success.
