A Pakistani-origin oncologist based in Arkansas freed nearly 200 cancer patients of more than half a million dollars in outstanding debts.
Dr. Omar Atiq founded the Arkansas Clinic in 1991. The clinic provided various cancer treatments from chemotherapy to radiation therapy and tests such as CAT scans. In February 2020, it had to close down due to insufficient staff.
Earlier this week, the clinic greeted their patients by giving them the good news where they no longer had to pay their outstanding bills.
Working on a sweet story tonight.
— Hunter Hoagland (@HunterHoagland) December 30, 2020
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
“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.”
wrote Dr. Atiq.
The outstanding bills amount to $650,000.
“Unfortunately, that is the way our health care system currently works.”
he further informed patients that the cancer clinic was closing down permanently after providing services for 29 years.
“The clinic has decided to forego all balances owed to the clinic by its patients, “Happy holidays.”
“If you knew Dr. Atiq, you would better understand. First, he is one of the smartest doctors I have ever known, but he is also one of the most compassionate doctors I have ever known.”
The Executive Vice-president of the Arkansas Medical Society says about Dr. Atiq.
Dr. Atiq is also working as a professor at UAMS College of Medicine and an oncologist at the UAMS William P Rockefeller Cancer Institute.
The local daily reported that the clinic made sure to work will the billing company for canceling the debt and ensure patients would not have to face any financial consequences.
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