By: Zaheeruddin M. Babar
Published By: ANI News Agency
When we began in 2012, The Diabetes Centre (TDC) was a small clinic established to address a growing need: accessible, specialised and affordable diabetes care for everyone, regardless of financial circumstances. From a modest, container-based clinic, TDC has evolved into a broader healthcare network, but our mission remains unchanged: no one should be denied essential diabetes treatment because of an inability to pay.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that, without proper management, can damage the eyes, kidneys, heart, nerves and blood vessels. Beyond its medical consequences, it can affect independence, employment, family life and financial stability. Effective diabetes management therefore requires more than medication. It demands regular consultations, diagnostic testing, nutritional guidance, patient education and continuous medical support.
Pakistan faces an increasingly serious diabetes challenge. According to the International Diabetes Federation’s 2025 Diabetes Atlas, approximately 34.5 million adults aged 20–79 in Pakistan were living with diabetes in 2024. The reported age-standardised prevalence was 31.4 per cent, highlighting the urgent need for stronger prevention, early diagnosis and accessible treatment.
Behind these figures are millions of individuals who need reliable healthcare. Many remain unaware of their condition until symptoms or complications appear, while others struggle to afford medicines, investigations and regular medical appointments. Addressing these challenges requires a collective effort involving healthcare institutions, medical professionals, government agencies, donors and communities.
At TDC, we have developed an integrated approach to diabetes care. Our services include foot care, ophthalmology, laboratory testing, dialysis, inpatient facilities, surgical procedures, telemedicine, a call centre and specialised support for people living with Type 1 diabetes. By bringing multiple services together, we aim to make treatment more accessible, improve continuity of care and help patients manage their condition effectively.
Regular eye examinations, kidney assessments and foot care can help identify complications at an early stage. Similarly, ongoing consultations and laboratory investigations enable healthcare professionals to monitor patients’ progress and adjust treatment when necessary. Our focus is on providing comprehensive care while encouraging patients to remain actively involved in managing their health.
Affordability remains at the heart of our mission. TDC provided free and subsidised healthcare worth PKR 673 million, helping patients who might otherwise struggle to obtain essential treatment. This achievement reflects the generosity of donors, the dedication of our medical professionals and the commitment of everyone working to make healthcare more accessible.
To date, TDC has served more than 80,000 people with Type 2 diabetes and over 4,000 individuals with Type 1 diabetes, delivering approximately 700,000 services, including consultations and laboratory investigations. These figures represent not only the scale of our work but also the lives and families supported through our services.
Patient education is equally important. When people understand their condition, they can make informed decisions, recognise warning signs and adopt healthier habits. A patient satisfaction survey conducted at TDC in 2023 reported satisfaction levels exceeding 90 per cent, reflecting the importance of patient-centred care and continued efforts to improve the healthcare experience.
We also recognise that geographical barriers can prevent people from receiving timely treatment. For individuals in remote communities, travelling to specialised facilities may involve significant expenses and lost working hours. Through awareness sessions, screening activities, free medical camps and our Hospital on Wheels initiative, we take healthcare services closer to people in schools, workplaces, villages and underserved areas.
These initiatives help raise awareness, identify individuals who may need further medical assessment and encourage early consultation. They also promote understanding of balanced nutrition, physical activity, regular screening and adherence to prescribed treatment. Although screening cannot replace comprehensive medical evaluation, it can provide an important first step towards diagnosis and appropriate care.
Our vision extends beyond treating diabetes. We want to help build a society where people can access reliable information, seek timely medical assistance and manage their condition without unnecessary financial hardship. Achieving this vision requires sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure, preventive programmes, public awareness and affordable treatment.
No single organisation can address Pakistan’s diabetes burden alone. Healthcare providers, government institutions, donors, medical professionals and communities must work together to strengthen prevention, expand access to treatment and support vulnerable populations.
With the continued support of our medical teams, donors, partners and communities, TDC remains committed to ensuring that every person living with diabetes has a fair opportunity to receive the care they need. This is the promise that inspired our journey in 2012, and it remains the promise we are determined to fulfil.
