Finding Hope Through Timely Care: Shah Muhammad’s Journey to Recovery from Tuberculosis in District Chaman

For years, 50-year-old Shah Muhammad has worked tirelessly to support his family in Chaman, a border district in Balochistan where access to specialized healthcare services remains a challenge for the local population. Operating a three-wheel hand trolley, his daily earnings are the primary source of income for his household. Missing even a few days of work can have serious consequences for his family’s well-being.

In early 2026, Shah Muhammad began experiencing a persistent cough, weakness, and fatigue. At first, he dismissed the symptoms, hoping they would improve on their own. Like many people living in remote and underserved areas, he had limited awareness about Tuberculosis (TB) and its symptoms. The demands of providing for his family, combined with concerns about medical expenses and uncertainty about where to seek care, delayed his decision to visit a health facility.

“In our area, many people continue working despite being sick because they cannot afford to stop earning,” Shah Muhammad recalls. “I was worried about my health, but I was also worried about feeding my family.”

For residents of District Chaman, accessing timely healthcare can be difficult. Long distances, limited transportation options, a shortage of specialized medical services, and low awareness of diseases such as TB often prevent people from seeking care early. As a result, illnesses may go undiagnosed until symptoms become severe.

With each passing day, Shah Muhammad found it increasingly difficult to continue his daily work. Concerned about his worsening condition and the impact on his family, he sought medical care at DHQ Hospital Chaman. There, Dr. Ahmed conducted a thorough examination and, recognizing the warning signs of tuberculosis, referred him for specialized treatment at the TB Department without delay.

The referral proved lifesaving.

Diagnostic tests confirmed that Shah Muhammad had Pulmonary Tuberculosis. Following the diagnosis, he was enrolled in the Government of Balochistan TB Control Program and began receiving free TB treatment.

The months that followed were not easy. The treatment of Tuberculosis requires strict adherence to medication and regular follow-up visits over an extended period. Despite the challenges, Shah Muhammad remained committed to completing his treatment.

Healthcare providers closely monitored his progress, encouraged him throughout the process, and ensured he understood the importance of taking every dose as prescribed.

Gradually, his condition began to improve. The persistent cough subsided, his strength returned, and he regained the energy he had lost during his illness. Upon completing the full course of treatment, Shah Muhammad was declared cured.

Today, he has returned to work and once again supports his family through his daily labor. Most importantly, he can look toward the future with renewed hope and good health.

“I am very thankful to Dr. Ahmed,” Shah Muhammad says. “He diagnosed my illness at the right time and guided me to the TB program where I received free treatment. No one demanded any money from me. Today I am healthy again and able to work and support my family.”

Shah Muhammad’s story demonstrates how early diagnosis, timely referral, and access to free, quality healthcare can transform lives. It also highlights the importance of strengthening community awareness about Tuberculosis and ensuring that people living in remote and underserved areas can access healthcare before illnesses become life-threatening.

This success highlights the impact of quality healthcare services delivered by MERF at DHQ Hospital Chaman with the support of the International Rescue Committee (IRC). Through this partnership, vulnerable communities in Balochistan are gaining improved access to timely diagnosis, treatment, and life-saving healthcare services.