Medical Care Denied to Elderly Christian

Medical Care Denied to Elderly Christian

A frail, elderly man is reaching over a bed rail. Two caring hands are holding his.
  

On October 1st, Yousaf Masih Gill took his gravely ill father to the Civil Hospital in Sahiwal, Punjab, for urgent medical treatment. Seeking a doctor to care for his father, Yousaf eventually located the hospital staff, who were playing a game together. Finally, one of the physicians examined the elderly man. However, the doctor told Yousaf, "If I had known earlier that you are a Christian, I would not have touched your father."

When it was determined that the elderly believer required surgery, the doctor refused to operate on him. In response, Yousaf's brother, Babu Nadeem, organized a protest outside the hospital, together with dozens of others who heard about the situation. "We have witnessed very disappointing behaviour [from] our doctors, just because we are Christians," Babu asserted.

The hospital medical officer visited the distressed family two days after the incident. Apologizing for the unprofessional behaviour of the doctors, the officer assured the family that the necessary surgery would take place in the next few days. No further updates are available at the time of publishing this report.

Unfortunately, discrimination against religious minorities is common in Pakistan. They are typically forced to work long hours in oppressive jobs and frequently denied services routinely provided to Muslim citizens. For more information on the injustices and suffering facing our Christian family in Pakistan, go to our country report.

Please pray for the full recovery of this elderly Christian believer, asking our Heavenly Father to provide him the necessary medical treatment, along with greatly needed physical and emotional healing. May God's peace also rest on Yousaf, Babu, and the other members of their family who have been affected by this traumatic incident. Pray that the hospital staff will demonstrate more consideration towards our Pakistani brothers and sisters in Christ, and that positive changes will be made so future patients – regardless of their religious affiliations – will be treated with equality, respect and dignity.

  • Current Ministry Projects

    VOMC partners to train Christian women in sewing skills throughout Pakistan to provide a sustainable source of income for their families and encourage them in their faith and witness for Christ.

    Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Women’s Ministry

  • Country Information

    Population
    247,653,551 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Punjabi (44.7), Pashtun [Pathan] (15.4), Sindhi (14.1), Saraiki (8.4) Muhajirs (7.6) Balochi (3.6), Other (6.3)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (96.5), Other - Christian and Hindu (3.5)

    Leader
    President Asif Ali Zardari (2024)

    Government type
    Federal parliamentary republic

    Legal system
    Common law system with Islamic law influence

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Pakistan

    Pray that amendments will be made to Pakistan's existing blasphemy laws so that the country's citizens – including its children – will be protected from injustice and abuse. May our Lord's mercy and justice prevail, not only in the judiciary system but also in the hearts of the country's militants. Ask Him to transform their "hearts of stone" into hearts that are receptive to His love, mercy and the workings of His Holy Spirit – not only for the purpose of protecting the Christian minority but also for the salvation of their own eternal souls.

Pakistan News

  • Justice Delayed in Jaranwala
    Furniture and possessions are strewn on a street. Some of them are burning.
    The riots in 2023.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    Incensed by allegations of blasphemy against two falsely accused Christian brothers, thousands of angry people stormed a Christian colony in Jaranwala, Punjab, on August 16th, 2023. The mob destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses before the violence was eventually brought under control. (Video footage of the attack is available here.)

  • Catholic Pilgrim Killed During Van Attack
    Afzal Masih is surrounded by mourners. One woman's hands are gently touching the wraps covering him.
    Afzal Masih, surrounded by his loved ones.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    In the early morning hours of September 7th, a van carrying as many as 18 Catholics was travelling to a pilgrimage site in Mariamabad when three young men on motorbikes intercepted the vehicle by swerving in front of it. The motorcyclists had noticed a cross and Christian posters on the outside of the travelling van.

  • Delayed Investigation After Attack on Christian Woman
    A very dark room is dimly lit by a single window in the corner. A woman is silhouetted against the window.
     

    A horrific attack on a young Christian mother has once again exposed the severe forms of persecution experienced by religious minorities in Pakistan. On June 11th, Sheeza Bibi was brutally raped by three men while her three-year-old daughter, Dua, watched in terror. The incident was clearly premeditated.

  • Court Decisions Render Justice for Christians
    Adil Babar is standing outside.
    Adil Babar
    Photo: Morning Star News

    Christians in Pakistan often encounter intense opposition, particularly through the country's legal system. However, three recent court rulings have brought about a measure of relief and a renewed hope for justice.