ZMT Primary Healthcare Network is transforming healthcare in Pakistan by providing 100% free medical services to underprivileged communities, particularly women and children. Since 2011, the organization has worked relentlessly to ensure that quality healthcare is not a luxury but a basic right. Over the years, ZMT has expanded its reach, establishing 41 clinics and benefiting over 13 million patients. With services worth more than Rs. 2.2 billion provided and over Rs. 1 billion spent on free medicines, ZMT is changing lives every day.
One of ZMT’s key initiatives is its eye screening program, which ensures that vision problems do not hinder a child’s future. Since its inception, the program has screened over 22,000 children annually, providing free eye checkups, glasses, and treatments. Patients needing advanced care are referred to Memon Medical Institute and JPMC. This initiative alone costs approximately Rs. 3,885,000 per clinic each year, yet its impact is life-changing.
Another critical focus is the fight against Hepatitis C. Launched in 2019, the Hepatitis C Elimination Program aims to eradicate the disease in Karachi by offering free diagnostic tests and antiviral treatments. Partnering with The Health Foundation and Aga Khan University Hospital, ZMT has screened over 465,000 patients annually. The annual cost per clinic for this program reaches Rs. 4,158,000, but the impact on public health is immeasurable.
However, ZMT’s healthcare efforts go beyond just physical ailments. The organization recognizes that a person’s well-being is not just about treating diseases but also about addressing underlying issues that impact overall health. This is why mental health and nutrition have become a growing focus of its initiatives.
Mental health challenges are often neglected, especially in low-income communities where resources are scarce. Since 2019, ZMT has stepped in to bridge this gap, providing free counseling, psychiatric medications, and telephonic support to individuals struggling with psychological challenges. With 48,000 patients benefiting from the program annually, ZMT collaborates with organizations like Taskeen and Karwan-e-Hayat to ensure mental healthcare is accessible to those who need it most. The annual cost per clinic for this initiative is Rs. 1,008,000, but for those struggling in silence, the support is invaluable.
Hand in hand with mental health is another pressing issue: malnutrition. Physical and mental well-being are deeply interconnected, and poor nutrition can contribute to both cognitive and developmental challenges. Recognizing this, ZMT launched a dedicated malnutrition program in 2022, offering nutritional counseling, supplements, and free food to malnourished children. The total annual cost per clinic for this program stands at Rs. 2,610,000, but the initiative is already making a tangible difference in improving children’s health and overall well-being.
Physiotherapy services have also been a major part of ZMT’s healthcare mission. Initially launched in 1988 and later integrated into ZMT in 2011, these services help patients manage chronic pain and mobility issues. With 34,000 patients treated each year, this program costs Rs. 5,160,000 annually but significantly improves the quality of life for those in need.
