Street medicine in Pakistani cities (5 photos)

Street medicine in Pakistani cities is a phenomenon that may seem horrifying at first glance, but is actually deeply rooted in the country's cultural traditions and social fabric.





With about 60% of the population living in rural and poor areas, Pakistan remains a country with limited access to quality healthcare.

With hospitals overwhelmed and not enough trained doctors to go around, street healers (!) and healers (!!) have come to the forefront, playing an important role in the lives of many Pakistanis.



The backbone of street medicine in Pakistan is made up of traditional healers, also known as "hakimis" or "tabibs." These people have knowledge of traditional medicine that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Hakimis use methods based on the use of herbs, minerals, and other natural components that remain popular among the population, especially among those who do not trust or cannot afford modern medicine.





One of the key features of street medicine is the abundance of unofficial pharmacies that can be found on almost every street corner in major cities such as Karachi or Lahore.

These small stalls or kiosks, often located in crowded areas, offer a wide range of medicines, from antibiotics to painkillers, which are sold without a prescription. You can also find traditional medicines made from herbs and other natural ingredients.

The sellers at these pharmacies usually do not have medical training, but they offer patients the “right” remedy. However, this approach is often fraught with consequences, as the incorrect use of potent drugs can lead to serious complications.



Healing practices in the bazaars.

Bazaars are the heart of any Pakistani city, and here you can also find many healers and witch doctors offering their services. Right in the market, you can see stalls selling herbs, mixtures and powders for the treatment of various diseases. Healers often combine trading with consultations, offering clients medicines for stomach pains, headaches, skin problems and other ailments.

In the bazaars, you can also find acupuncture and acupuncture specialists who offer their services right on the street. This practice, which originated in China, has found its adherents in Pakistan due to its accessibility and effectiveness in treating various ailments.



For many Pakistanis, street medicine is not just a method of treatment, but also an important element of social life. It is a place to get help, advice and support in difficult times. Witch doctors and healers working on the streets are often part of the local community, they are known and respected. They may offer their services on credit or even for free if a person cannot afford treatment.

Street medicine also reflects the state of the healthcare system in the country. Limited resources and lack of infrastructure lead to millions of people being forced to turn to alternative methods of treatment. However, this phenomenon cannot be viewed solely as a negative phenomenon. It demonstrates the amazing resilience and ability of people to adapt to difficult conditions.