A life led by faith: Pakistani doctor makes diabetes screening possible for poor

By Akhtar Pathan

KARACHI, Pakistan (MNTV) — In Pakistan, where millions cannot afford laboratory tests, Dr. Abdul Basit has helped create a way to identify people at risk of diabetes without a blood sample, a clinic visit, or costly equipment.

That single intervention has allowed early screening in communities that would otherwise remain invisible to the health system.

As director of the Indus Diabetes and Endocrine Center, Dr. Basit has led nationwide studies mapping the true burden of diabetes in Pakistan, developed practical screening tools suited to low-income settings, and trained generations of clinicians to deliver standardized care.

His work has shifted diabetes management from elite urban hospitals to primary care clinics and community programs, bringing early detection and treatment within reach of millions who cannot pay.

These achievements place Dr. Basit among a small group of physicians who have moved beyond individual practice to reshape national public health systems.

Research for purpose, not recognition

Dr. Basit has emphasized that research should be mission-driven, not for promotion or personal gain. His decades-long work on diabetes includes nationwide surveys to determine prevalence, risk factors among adolescents and young adults, and interventions in schools and communities.

Through studies involving children from age 15 to 25, his team highlighted the rise of childhood obesity and pre-diabetes. They also investigated intrauterine factors, showing how maternal health, birth weight, and breastfeeding practices influence the development of diabetes.

His work has resulted in practical tools, including the RAPID score, a quick screening method to identify those at risk of diabetes without a blood test. The project took more than 12 years to develop and exemplifies his patient, long-term approach to research.

Building national capacity

Dr. Basit has worked to translate research into actionable programs. He advocates for disease registries, collaborating with the Ministry of Health to connect electronic medical records with Pakistan’s National Identity system. He is the chairman of the Health Research Advisory Board, leading efforts to standardize data collection and capacity building for healthcare providers.

He has collaborated with international institutions such as the University of Birmingham and the University of Oslo for genetic studies and capacity-building projects. He is also spearheading a national diabetes program aimed at creating a network of 3,000 primary care clinics, 300 secondary care centers, and 30 tertiary centers across Pakistan.

Sacrificing personal gain for greater good

Throughout his career, Dr. Basit has avoided private practice for profit. “I have never done private practice to earn money,” he says. “If you want to be a researcher with clinical responsibilities, you must sacrifice financial gains. For more than 30 years, I have been doing research and clinical work despite financial challenges. We must sacrifice worldly gains for a greater good.”

His focus has always been on serving Pakistan’s population and improving public health. “I joined Indus Hospital to serve the community, making affordable and accessible diabetes care available to every person in Pakistan,” he says.

Dr. Basit’s personal life is guided by simplicity, discipline, and prayer. He maintains a structured daily timetable, balancing prayer, study, clinical work, research, and family life. “Make a timetable and stick to it,” he advises young people. “Otherwise, time is wasted. Discipline is essential for achieving meaningful goals.”

He encourages youth to dream big, not for personal fame or wealth, but to serve the nation and humanity. “Your dream should be how you can help your country, your community, and earn Allah’s blessings. Science, research, and medicine are tools for service. If your motivation is aligned with faith and the welfare of humanity, opportunities are limitless.”

Family and faith: shaping character

Born in the United Kingdom into a middle-class family, Dr. Basit returned to Pakistan at age four after his father, a senior accountant, completed his training abroad. His parents, who were deeply religious, prioritized education and discipline, setting the foundation for a life balanced between intellect, physical activity, and spiritual growth.

Dr. Basit began his schooling at Little Folks School before moving to The Habib Public School in Karachi, one of the city’s leading institutions, where he matriculated. He later earned an MBBS from Dow University of Health Sciences.

Becoming a doctor was not a personal choice but a parental expectation. “In those days, career choices were very limited, and children had little say in choosing their future professions. It was considered parents’ prerogative to decide what their children will grow into,” he says. So, “I grew up with this goal set before me, and I directed all my energies toward it. Over time, I developed a genuine interest in medicine.”

Dr. Basit credits his father as his primary inspiration and mentor, and later, as a friend. His mother ensured he maintained a disciplined daily routine, balancing studies, chores, and religious obligations. “Since early childhood, I had a very tight schedule,” he recalls. “My mother made sure nothing obstructed my routine, and thus she helped me complete all my assignments on time.”

His father, mindful that intellectual growth alone was insufficient, allocated time for physical activities, including swimming, football, and other sports. “My parents molded my character and prepared me for achieving my dreams,” Dr. Basit says.

After completing his house job in Pakistan, Dr. Basit went to the United Kingdom for advanced training in diabetes care, gaining mentorship from experienced consultants. “They taught me not only the science of diabetes but the values associated with patient care, research, and community service,” he says.

A life of discipline and modesty

Dr. Basit’s childhood and student life were free from financial hardship, allowing him to focus on his studies and spiritual development. “By the grace of Allah, I had a smooth and problem-free early life,” he says. “My parents wanted nothing in return except that we grow into compassionate human beings and productive citizens.”

Even as a practicing physician, he has maintained a simple, disciplined life. He lives in the same house his father purchased nearly 50 years ago, avoids luxury cars, and has no interest in fine dining or leisure travel. His family supports this minimalist lifestyle, enabling him to devote all his time and energy to research and patient care.

Faith as the core motivation

Central to Dr. Basit’s life is his deep religiosity. “My greatest motivation is my firm belief in Allah,” he says. “Nothing happens without His will. We do our part, and the outcome is up to God. If we don’t achieve something despite our best efforts, it is because He has something better in store. A believer is not disappointed by external circumstances. This belief keeps us motivated and moving forward.”

Faith also informs his philosophy toward research and service. “Research must be done for the sake of humanity,” he says. “If you help the community, support the poor, or contribute to the welfare of your society, this is your purpose. Serving humanity is the strength of intellectuals, and research is one of the best ways to serve.”

Dr. Basit stresses that researchers must persevere, especially in challenging environments. “Research is a long-term investment. Don’t expect results in one or two years. Work for the public good, not personal gains. Systems may be weak, educational structures flawed, but determination, patience, and faith will open the way.”

He urges young doctors to harness the resources available today — technology, search engines, AI, and international collaboration — to address healthcare, maternal and child health, public health, and environmental challenges. “Doctors can contribute through research, advocacy, and capacity building across all sectors,” he says.

“Dream big — not for yourself, but for the benefit of your community, your nation, and for Allah’s blessings,” he says. “Serve others, pursue knowledge, and let faith guide your path. With Allah’s help, anything is possible.”