Pakistani-American oncologist, Omar Atiq is spreading smiles around the world by forgiving more than half a million dollars worth of debt for 200 cancer patients.
Dr. Omar Atiq founded the Arkansas Cancer Clinic in 1991. The clinic offered cancer treatments ranging from chemotherapy and radiation therapy and tests such as CAT scans. But due to staff shortages, the clinic shut its doors in late February 2020.
He erased over $650,000 worth of debt
Earlier this month, the clinic sent out holiday greetings and told patients that any outstanding debts would no longer need to be paid.
“I hope this note finds you well. The Arkansas Cancer Clinic was proud to have you as a patient. Although various health insurances pay most of the bills for the majority of patients, even the deductibles and co-pays can be burdensome,” Dr. Atiq wrote.
Working on a sweet story tonight.
Around 200 cancer patients in Pine Bluff got this holiday card a few days ago— Dr. Omar Atiq who founded the Arkansas Cancer Clinic is forgiving all outstanding debts owed by patients.
He says they wiped away bills totaling around $650,000. pic.twitter.com/IHnQ3IAv15
— Hunter Hoagland (@HunterHoagland) December 30, 2020
“Unfortunately, that is the way our health care system currently works,” he added and informed patients that Arkansas Clinic was closing practice after over 29 years of service.
“The clinic has decided to forego all balances owed to the clinic by its patients,” said the note. “Happy holidays.”
It was later revealed that the outstanding bills amount to $650,000.
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Appreciating his kind gesture
Talking to Arkansas Online, Dr. Atiq said that this was the right time to make the decision as many families are struggling to make ends meet.
“We thought there was not a better time to do this than during a pandemic that has decimated homes, people’s lives and businesses and all sorts of stuff. We just thought we could do it, and we wanted to, so we went ahead and did it.”
The clinic worked with a billing company to cancel the debt and ensure no patient who owed money would face any type of financial repercussions.
Thanks to Dr. Omar Atiq, 200 patients and their families started 2021 without any medical debt. Truly, kindness speaks volumes.
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