PEERZADA MASARAT
In a small town where belief frequently overshadows reason, the story of Abdul Qadir Reshi, a self-proclaimed healer specializing in curing jaundice, offers a stark reflection of a society torn between faith and science. Known fondly as “Bab” by his followers, Reshi’s practice has gained traction among thousands, attracting patients from all walks of life, even the educated and the well-informed. However, beneath the veil of miraculous recoveries lies a troubling reality that raises significant concerns about public health and the dangers of blind faith.

Faith vs. Science: A Fragile Balance
The phenomenon of faith healing is not new. For centuries, people have turned to traditional healers for solutions to their ailments, particularly when modern medicine seemed inaccessible or insufficient. Bab’s jaundice clinic, charging a nominal fee of Rs. 10 for consultation and treatment, has become a symbol of hope for the poor and underserved. His rituals—sprinkling water, reciting prayers, and offering blessings—are seen as divine interventions that promise relief from the burdens of illness.
However, these practices often neglect addressing the root causes of diseases and can, in fact, exacerbate the problem. For jaundice patients, particularly infants, untreated high bilirubin levels can lead to severe complications, including brain damage or even death. Despite these risks, families continue to flock to Bab, driven by anecdotes of miraculous recoveries and an unwillingness to question the efficacy of his methods. For the medical community, this phenomenon is both frustrating and alarming—a reminder of the persistent gap between evidence-based medicine and cultural beliefs.
The Risks of Blind Faith
Perhaps the most concerning aspect of Bab’s growing popularity is the misplaced trust of educated individuals who should, in theory, know better. A grandmother, who recently brought her jaundiced grandchild to Bab, revealed that the child’s mother—a doctor—opted to bypass medical advice in favor of the healer’s rituals. This tragic irony underscores a harsh truth: even those trained in science are not immune to the allure of faith-based miracles, particularly when desperation takes hold.
The consequences of such decisions can be dire. Jaundice in infants, if left untreated, can escalate quickly. Phototherapy, an effective and scientifically proven treatment, is often ignored in favor of Bab’s methods. Families, entranced by stories of divine intervention, fail to recognize the potential harm of delaying proper medical care. While some may report improvements after visiting Bab, these anecdotes often lack the scientific scrutiny needed to validate their claims.
Hope for the Poor or a Costly Gamble?
Bab’s clinic has gained widespread attention, particularly among the economically disadvantaged. Charging a nominal fee of Rs. 10, Bab is perceived as a savior for those who cannot afford expensive medical treatments. For many, his affordable care represents a rare opportunity to seek help in a system that often feels out of reach. However, this perceived affordability comes at a hidden cost.
Medical professionals caution that delays or avoidance of proper treatment often result in complications that require far more resources to address later. Conditions that could have been managed easily with early intervention often spiral into severe health crises. For the poor, this creates a cruel cycle: the initial savings from choosing Bab’s clinic are outweighed by the long-term consequences of inadequate care.
This dynamic also highlights the broader issue of healthcare accessibility in rural and underprivileged areas. When people feel that hospitals and clinics are beyond their financial means, they are more likely to turn to faith healers, regardless of the risks involved. Bab’s practice, while filling a perceived gap, underscores the urgent need for affordable and accessible healthcare solutions that can build trust and bridge the divide between science and faith.
The Power of Perception
The belief in Bab as a savior is a key factor in his enduring popularity. For his followers, he is more than a healer; he is a symbol of hope, a figure who embodies the possibility of miracles in the face of despair. This belief is strengthened by anecdotal accounts of miraculous recoveries, often shared with fervor and conviction by those who claim to have benefited from his methods.
However, these stories, while compelling, are often anecdotal and lack the rigorous evidence needed to substantiate their claims. In the medical community, such narratives are seen as a double-edged sword. On the one hand, they highlight the power of belief and its role in the healing process. On the other hand, they perpetuate a culture of ignorance that can have devastating consequences for public health.
Doctors argue that the human tendency to seek out miracles often stems from a deep-seated fear of uncertainty. For many, the idea of placing their trust in science, with its complexities and limitations, can feel overwhelming. Faith healers like Bab offer a simpler, more reassuring alternative—one that promises immediate results without the need for understanding or questioning. This allure, while understandable, is also deeply problematic.
The Medical Perspective
For medical professionals, Bab represents more than just a local phenomenon; he is a symbol of the challenges they face in promoting evidence-based medicine in communities steeped in tradition and superstition. Doctors in rural and underserved areas frequently encounter patients who seek medical care too late for effective treatment, having first sought help from faith healers like Bab. These delays can turn manageable conditions into life-threatening emergencies, placing additional strain on an already overburdened healthcare system.
The frustration among doctors is palpable. Many feel that their efforts to educate the public about the importance of timely and proper medical care are undermined by the pervasive influence of faith healers. The situation is further complicated by the emotional and cultural ties that many patients have to traditional practices. Convincing them to trust science over faith requires more than just facts and figures; it demands empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a willingness to engage in difficult conversations.
Bridging the Gap
The tale of Abdul Qadir Reshi and his jaundice clinic is a potent reminder of the complexities involved in addressing public health challenges in diverse communities. While Bab’s practice may be rooted in faith, the issues it raises—healthcare accessibility, education, and trust—are deeply intertwined with social and economic realities.
To bridge the gap between faith and science, a multifaceted approach is needed. Healthcare providers must work to make medical services more accessible and affordable, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Educational initiatives should focus on fostering trust and awareness within communities, dispelling fears and misconceptions that lead people to rely on faith healers. At the same time, policymakers must prioritize investments in healthcare infrastructure, ensuring that no one is forced to choose between faith and science due to financial constraints.
The Verdict: A Call for Balance
While faith healers may provide comfort through rituals and prayers, saving lives ultimately requires the guidance of science. Bab’s methods, though affordable and accessible, carry hidden risks that can have devastating consequences for vulnerable patients. The medical community, for all its frustrations, must strive to understand the cultural and emotional factors that drive people to seek out faith healers, using this understanding to build bridges rather than walls.
In the end, the story of Bab is not just about faith or science—it is about the intersection of the two, and the need for a balanced approach that respects both while prioritizing public health and safety. Only by addressing the root causes of this divide can we ensure a future where no one is forced to choose between hope and health.
Peerzada Masarat Shah is a well-known writer and the editor of the weekly newspaper Barwaqat, offering insightful commentary on the socio-political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.