Restoring Health and Hope Through Accessible Surgical Care in District Khyber

For more than 11 years, 53-year-old Naik Khela from Village Nazam Khel Bragg, lived with persistent abnormal uterine bleeding that disrupted her daily life and affected her physical and emotional well-being. Despite receiving medicines over the years, her condition did not improve. She had previously been advised at a tertiary care hospital to undergo surgery, but financial constraints prevented her from accessing the treatment she needed. As a result, she continued to suffer while her quality of life steadily declined.

When she visited Category-D Hospital Bazar Zaka Khel, she was carefully assessed by the medical team led by Consultant Gynecologist Dr Nadia. After reviewing her condition, Dr Nadia discussed all available treatment options with her, including the potential benefits and risks of Total Abdominal Hysterectomy and Bilateral Salpingo Oophorectomy (surgery performed for removal of uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes).

Having struggled with her symptoms for many years and after unsuccessful medical treatment, she chose to undergo surgery as a permanent solution. Before the procedure, she underwent all the necessary examinations and investigations to ensure that she was fit for the surgery and could safely receive anesthesia.

The surgery was successfully performed free of cost by the surgical team without any complications. During the procedure, Dr Nadia confirmed changes in the uterus that explained the patient’s long history of heavy and irregular bleeding, along with a small, non-cancerous cyst on one ovary. Both conditions were treated during the surgery. She recovered well from the anesthesia, remained stable throughout the postoperative period, and was transferred to the ward in good condition for further observation and recovery.

It is important to note that this surgical procedure, when performed in private hospitals in Peshawar, typically costs between PKR 100,000–120,000, making it unaffordable for many patients from low-income households.

Following the surgery, the patient experienced a smooth recovery and expressed relief that the condition which had affected her life for more than a decade had finally been addressed. She shared her gratitude with the healthcare team, noting that she had almost given up hope of receiving treatment because she could not afford surgery at a private hospital. Being able to access quality surgical care closer to home not only eased the financial burden on her family but also restored her confidence and improved her outlook for the future.

This successful outcome was made possible through the support of the KP Health Foundation, whose funding has strengthened access to free of cost quality surgical services for underserved communities. By supporting health facilities with the resources needed to provide safe and timely care, the KP Health Foundation is helping ensure that vulnerable and underprivileged patients can receive life-saving treatment regardless of their financial circumstances, giving them the opportunity to live healthier and more productive lives.