When Dr. Anam Najam suffered a critical injury nearly a decade ago, it changed the direction of her life. She was traveling with her parents from Rawalpindi to Muzaffarabad (Pakistan) on March 15, 2008, when dacoits tried to ambush their vehicle.
“My father was behind the wheel,”recalled Dr. Najam. “I was in the back seat, sleeping with my head resting on my mother’s shoulder. My father refused to stop the car so the dacoits retaliated with a gunshot. The bullet passed from underneath my mother’s arm and lodged itself into my neck.”
Dr. Najam sustained an injury to the spinal canal causing quadriplegia. “Dr. Khaleeq-ul-Zaman performed surgery and evacuated the bullet,” explained Dr. Najam. “When I regained consciousness, the first thing I asked the doctor was ‘when will I recover?’… His response was, ‘pray.’”
Dr. Najam was only twenty-one at the time. Like others her age, she had big dreams and lived a carefree lifestyle. She had been looking forward to completing her education and making a name in the medical community. Instead, she found herself at a completely unexpected juncture.
“I could no longer move my legs or work with my hands,”said Dr. Najam. “I couldn’t bring myself to hold a pen. I lost bowel control. I, basically, became an infant all over again.”
Despite her dire circumstances, she discovered that her spirit had somehow grown stronger. “Some people would say things like it is better to die than to live disabled,” recalled Dr. Najam. “To that I would respond that there’s a difference between disability and inability. Inability means not being able to perform a task, whereas disability means finding another way to perform the same task.”
Dr. Najam resumed her studies and was determined to become a Psychiatrist, despite the odds. Along the way, she underwent further surgeries. “Dr. Nadeem Mohammed operated on me two years after the incident,”explained Dr. Najam. “Some time later, I went to Germany for further treatment.”
The surgeries have led to some improvement in upper limb movements. Dr. Najam describes results as less of a recovery and more of adaptation. Her resilient nature coupled with the unwavering support of her family members, friends and teachers has played a pivotal role in her pursuit to lead as normal a life as possible, given her circumstances.
Dr. Najam has come to accept the fact that she might never fully regain control of her limbs.“Not everything needs to be fixed. It is okay to not be okay. Scars are okay. Wounds are okay.”
It is her positive attitude that has led this phenomenal woman to travel to various cities in Pakistan and deliver motivational speeches. Medical professionals as well as lay persons flock to her events in huge numbers and follow her positive commentary on social media, lauding her for being their role model.
Dr. Najam uses an electric powered chair for mobility. A universal cuff holder helps her write prescriptions. That said, she faces significant hurdles as she navigates the disability unfriendly environment in Pakistan.
“Our surroundings contribute to disabling us further,”stated Dr. Najam. “Even many health facilities lack proper access for disabled folk. This lack of access results in a lack of opportunity.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over one billion people in the world live with some form of disability. Two hundred million of those in the category face considerable difficulties in functioning. Disability prevalence is higher in countries plagued with lower income brackets. The United Nations estimates that between six to ten percent of the population in developing countries is disabled. Inadequate policies, lack of provision of services, inadequate funding, and an overall negative attitude towards disabled people are obvious barriers to improvement. Moreover, there is a serious lack of current data on the sheer number and sort of disabilities that are prevalent in society. It is difficult, therefore, to assess the scale and nature of their needs in order to develop and implement legislation that would help them.
Dr. Najam had the support of her family and others who helped her pursue higher education and, eventually, develop her career. Others are not as fortunate. In fact, in Pakistan people with disabilities tend to not further their education and, thus, have fewer economic opportunities, if any. As a result, it is difficult for them to rise above poverty levels which further limits their health and wellbeing. Disabled women are particularly vulnerable to emotional, physical, and sexual abuse.
Social, cultural and other important opportunities are often denied to people with disabilities. Dr. Najam recalled, “I went to cast my vote during the recent elections. My family made every effort to help me navigate the polling station because they valued the fact that my vote is as important as the next person’s. We came across many people who were willing to make room for my wheelchair. However, one man passed a seething comment: ‘was casting your vote worth all that trouble?’”
There is a dire need for creating disability awareness in Pakistan. As mentioned earlier, the general attitudes towards disabled people is quite negative. Eliminating this negativity is the first step towards creating and implementing positive change. But this can only happen if disabled people organize themselves under a platform whereby they can voice their needs and urge government officials as well as civil society organizations to create enabling environments. Dr. Najam has taken a huge step in this direction by taking on the role of Provincial Coordinator at the National Forum of Women with Disabilities.
“Our country needs better rehabilitation and support services,” remarked Dr. Najam. “We need to ensure adequate protection, better legislation, and inclusive policies and programs for the disabled so they can flourish.”
The fact remains that in a country that is already burdened with overpopulation, illiteracy, and economic hardships, convincing the government to allocate funding towards improved disabled-friendly infrastructure can be a bit of a stretch. After all, such measures are viewed as a welfare issue and do not rank high on the list of priorities. However, better standards do not have to come at a high price. If accessibility is incorporated in the original design of a building, for example, we would have infrastructure that does not need to be redesigned in order to accommodate the disabled. Even simple changes such as curb insets at street corners, ramps (with gentle slopes) to public buildings, wider doorways, and handrails fixed to walls can result in huge improvements.
Mobilizing public opinion is the need of the hour. Disabled people should take the initiative to band together and collectively raise their voices so the government can finally enforce regulations that will improve accessibility.
Dr. Najam agreed: “Let’s stop waiting for miracles as we are already a miracle. Let us keep an eye on our goals and look past our hurdles. Let us dare to dream and gather courage to chase our dreams. Nothing will change unless we decide it is high time.”
Sandra Watson says
Wow–what a powerful story you have to tell. Sending positive energy back to you!
Seema Khan says
Thank you, Sandra, for your comment. Dr. Najam is, now, my friend. It is endearing to see her positive attitude despite the circumstances she faces on a daily basis.
Anam Najam says
Thank you Seema Khan for the honour. You wrote it so perfectly. Just shared it on my page
Seema Khan says
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to know you. I really hope people will gain inspiration from you and work towards improving society.
Robin says
Great article. Thank you for sharing Dr. Najam’s story. I work with youth with disabilities and will definitely share this with them!
Seema Khan says
Thank you so much, Robin, for your comment and for sharing the article further. We are lucky, here in the US, because disability legislation prevents abuse to a great extent. In developing and under-developed countries, such legislation is not given priority which is disheartening. I hope this article will help bring awareness to this very important issue.
Anam Najam says
Thanks for spreading the message
Sadia Habib says
well written, beautifully narrated
Seema Khan says
Thank you, Sadia, for introducing Dr. Najam to me. Her story and strength of heart is so inspiring.