Dr. Shabana Katpar at the Basic Health Unit in Hussain Goth, Gadap.
Malir is one of the largest districts in Karachi, Sindh Province, and home to approximately 2.4 million people. Malir’s annual population growth rate of 4% is significantly higher than other districts in the region. This rapid growth has placed increasing pressure on the local healthcare system, particularly in the area of family planning.
For the past two years, The Challenge Initiative (TCI), in collaboration with the local government, has been implementing high-impact interventions to expand access to family planning services across the district. A key component of this strategy has been the development of master coaches, highly trained healthcare professionals who build the capacity of frontline staff and ensure the consistent availability of skilled service providers, despite chronic shortages in human resources in the health sector.
Dr. Shabana Katpar is one of those master coaches and a dedicated provider at the Basic Health Unit in Hussain Goth, Gadap. After attending multiple TCI-led training sessions, Dr. Shabana not only strengthened her technical skills but also gained a new perspective on gender inclusivity and innovation in service delivery. With renewed confidence and insight, she took the unconventional step of training Dr. Waseem, a newly appointed male Medical Officer, in the insertion of female contraceptive implants, a bold move in a traditionally gender-segregated healthcare setting.
Dr. Shabana shared:
I have been training female health staff for a long time, but TCI’s recent trainings opened my eyes to the broader picture. Health workers should not limit themselves based on gender. They are service providers, period. We’ve often lost family planning clients due to the unavailability of trained female providers, but never considered equipping male staff. TCI’s emphasis on gender equality and male engagement has reshaped my thinking.”
Dr. Waseem conducts an implant insertion procedure.
Thanks to Dr. Shabana’s mentorship, Dr. Waseem not only gained proficiency in implant insertion but is now a trusted and skilled provider, serving numerous clients with both confidence and compassion, breaking gender stereotypes in the process.
Dr. Waseem further added:
Initially, I was hesitant in implant insertion, but Dr. Shabana has counseled and sensitized me on implant insertion and helped me remain focused on providing quality services. Now, after gaining some experience, I am doing it without any supervision.”
Their collaboration shows how inclusive training and forward-thinking leadership can dismantle long-standing barriers in healthcare. By equipping both women and men with skills to provide quality reproductive health services, TCI’s approach in Malir is expanding access, transforming attitudes, and building a more equitable health system.
