Brighten Your Day

Doctor offers free medical services to patients who can't afford health insurance

January 7, 2013

Houston doctor Aijaz Ali Khowaja offers free and afforadable medical services to patients that can not afford health insurance. Houston, Texas has the highest percentage of people without health insurance in the United States.

Dr. Aijaz Ali Khowaja founded the Ibn Sina Foundation, a one-stop shop for medical and dental services. Five clinics have opened since the foundation started, and they are working on opening a sixth clinic. The clinics are funded with help from St. Lukes Episcopal Health Charities as well as the City of Houston.

Cancer survivor Karen Best visited the clinic for the first time after losing her job a few months ago. The Ibn Sina Foundation made it possible for her to receive medical care.

"I lost my job a few months ago and I am a cancer survivor, so I need medical care and I'm basically uninsurable,” said Best. “So I don't have insurance. I'm always looking for some place that it affordable."

One walk-in last week had no idea he was on the verge of death. He had 100% heart artery failure.

"If this patient does not come in to Ibn Sina, this person is already dead." said Dr. Khowaja.

Dr.Khowaja's motivation for helping others goes much deeper. On the very first day of his practice, a patient died from preventable liver failure. Now, he does everything he can to help anyone who needs medical treatment. He expects to serve more than 80,000 visits this year alone.