By Devyn Lyon, FOX23.com News Staff
TULSA, Okla. — More than a dozen doctors are volunteering their time each week at a free medical clinic in Tulsa, providing care to patients who may otherwise go without it.
The clinic operates every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Islamic Center of Tulsa near 51st Street and Sheridan Road. Organizers said the clinic is open to everyone regardless of faith, race, or background, and no insurance is required.
“Yes it’s free to everyone, regardless of faith, race, or religion, everybody’s welcome to benefit from this service,” said Dr. Muhammad Afzal, director of the Islamic Center Medical Clinic.
Volunteer physicians offer a wide range of services, including preventive health screenings such as blood pressure and diabetes checks, as well as treatment for acute illnesses like infections and respiratory issues.
“So basic health screening like diabetes, blood pressure… preventive health screening, also we take care of the acute illnesses like if somebody has a sore throat or pneumonia,” Afzal said.
Doctors from multiple specialties donate their time, including cardiology, nephrology, infectious disease, allergy, and general medicine.
“Heart doctors, kidney doctors, general medical doctors, allergy physicians — we all bring a unique perspective and an area of specialty,” said Dr. Kamran Muhammad, a cardiologist who volunteers at the clinic.
Physicians said the need for services like this continues to grow, especially in Oklahoma, which ranks near the bottom nationally for health insurance coverage.
About 13% of Oklahomans — roughly one in seven people — do not have health insurance, according to state data. Many others are underinsured and struggle to afford routine medical care.
Doctors at the clinic shared stories of patients who were able to get life-changing help through the program, including one man who was at risk of losing his job due to a cataract.
“He came to our clinic, we got him taken care of, and he had a cataract surgery with a zero dollar cost and he’s back to his job and he’s very happy,” Afzal said.
Physicians said they feel a responsibility to help bridge the health care gap for underserved communities.
“If there is a population who are underserved and do not have access to medical care because of a lack of insurance, we feel it’s an obligation upon us physicians to do something,” said Dr. Zaheer Sheikh, a volunteer physician.
Doctors said free screenings can prevent serious health complications down the road.
“A lot of patients are uninsured, and they don’t seek any medical attention,” said Dr. Yasir Ahmed, an infectious disease specialist. “If they can get free access to at least get a blood pressure screening or diabetes screening, that can prevent them from complications down the road.”
In addition to physicians, high school students interested in pursuing careers in medicine volunteer at the clinic, helping check in patients and take basic vitals.
“We sign the patients in and have them fill out their forms, and then we also check their blood pressure and temperature,” said Faraz, a student volunteer.
Another student volunteer, Zakariyya, said watching his father work as a cardiologist inspired him to help others.
“I’ve always looked up to him… I’ve seen how he helps people, and I feel like I want to do the same thing,” he said.
The clinic has been open for decades but was recently restructured to improve organization and continuity of care, including the use of electronic medical records. Doctors said when they are unable to directly treat a patient, they work to connect them with affordable resources and additional care.
“Medical care is very expensive in the United States and if you’re uninsured or underinsured, it’s challenging,” said Dr. Muhammad. “We may not be able to solve all your problems, but we can start.”
