A Project Long Overdue

Pride – it gets in the way of a lot of things in life, but should it really prevent our elderly from getting the care they deserve? It is due to blind and foolish pride that an adequate number of senior care centers have yet to be built (if at all) in countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and various nations throughout the Middle East that were once home to thousands of Muslims residing in North America today.

In Canada, having all the amenities we could ask for, it is rare that we would worry over such an issue. However, it becomes far more than just an “issue“ when the problem hits close to home. Many of us have grandparents, or even parents, that reside halfway around the globe, and the reality of the situation is that there will come a day when they will no longer be able to take care of themselves. Distance makes it impossible for us to take care of them. But to do so even remains difficult for those who live there. To assume the task of constant caregiver is a heavy burden – especially heavy for the average person trying to earn a living in a barely–developing country.

That being said, it would also be difficult for many in such a situation to pay an annual fee in order for their parents to receive that kind of care. So the question therefore needs to be asked: What ever happened to Muslim brotherhood, and obeying the simplest teachings of the Quran? All Muslims have upon them the obligation of taking care of their parents as they age; and if unable to do so, it is upon the rest of the Ummah to help them in their time of need. As Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) wisely stated, “You are given sustenance and victory for the virtue of those who are weak amongst you.“ (Bukhari) Clearly then, it is up to the rest of us to do that which pleases Allah, and help our fellow Muslims who themselves do not have the resources to take care of their own parents. Yet despite all this, most urban centers in the Indian subcontinent or even the Middle East do not have an adequate number of senior care facilities for those in need.

Again, it all comes back to that pride. To many, admitting a lack of ability to care for one’s aging parents is a sign of inadequacy that will somehow bring shame to themselves and their family. Although that is as far from the truth as one can get, such an attitude has hindered the much–needed development of important geriatric care facilities in our (or our parents’) home countries. Allah has emphasized the importance of looking after one’s parents countless times; they should be put above all else.  As stated in the Quran, “Be kind to your parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility and say: “My Lord! Bestow on them thy mercy even as they cherished me in childhood.“(17:23 – 24)

So shouldn’t people look at what’s best for their parents or grandparents, rather than how to keep the neighbors from gossiping about them? The reassurance that one’s parents are getting the best possible care should be a priority that exceeds all others.

Fortunately, this issue has been brought to light among those who can afford to make a difference, and after much thought and deliberation, a plan of action has begun to emerge in its very initial but necessary stages. As an example, we can take into account the efforts of a few dedicated men and women from the Pakistani community in North America (The efforts of similar communities are not to be undervalued of course… but I only have so much room to write). The Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA) is a non–profit organization which supports medical education and research, with aims to foster better understanding and relations between Pakistani physicians and the people of North America since the 1970s. They have improved the health and livelihood of people living in even the most rural areas in Pakistan since they launched their pilot project, APPNA Sehat, in 1988, followed by a movement for Human Development in Pakistan which was launched in fall of 1996. The APPNA Sehat committee, and Chairperson Dr. Hassan Bukhari – the man currently responsible for running the project in Pakistan – have outlined the model, program, achievements, as well as quarterly reports on their website.

The main idea is the development of new healthcare facilities as well as improvement of already existing ones. Using these facilities, they will be able to evolve a network of health services in the country that will be accessible to all, regardless of background or income. As well, people will be encouraged to utilize local resources to help the local community develop their own facilities. A rough plan has outlined these facilities to include 4 tertiary care centers in each of the four provinces, each branching out to district level health care facilities in each major city, which themselves will branch out to a collection of rural areas, each having a local clinic. The project places great emphasis on helping local people learn to help themselves, and it uses the rationale that only the Pakistani people will be the best judges of their own issues and problems, and need guidance to figure out the right solutions. Once these main facilities have been established, specifications can further be made for geriatrics, and proper senior care facilities can be established.

At this point you’re sitting there thinking… So what? Right? Well the point of this pseudo–rant was that the majority of us are second–generation Canadians living more–than–comfortable lives, with our biggest worry at hand most likely revolving around something as trivial as, “Should I shovel the driveway… or should I eat first?“ But it is important for us to realize that the countries from whence we came still need to be built from the ground up in many ways, especially when it comes to the most basic of infrastructures. It is crucial for us to support every cause that goes towards strengthening the facilities that will eventually help our own people stand on their own feet, and help themselves and their families.

Of course, any project such as the aforementioned will be a task of great enormity and is estimated to cost billions of dollars, with completion still years (perhaps decades) away. Although some funds have been collected thus far, the plans have yet to be finalized and talks with the Pakistani government still need to be carried out. Still, it is reassuring to know that there are many out there battling this problem first hand and taking initiative that has been long overdue.

For more information on this project, how to donate, or if you wish to contact a member of the APPNA Sehat committee, please visit http://appnasehat.org.pk/.

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