He tried to collect the debt at first, but noticed people were making payments of just $5 or $10 even though most owed hundreds or thousands of dollars. He realized they just didn’t have the resources to settle their bills. After talking it over with his family in the fall, Atiq decided to forgive the debt, noting it was money he didn’t need.Atiq worked with RMC of America, a debt collection agency in White Hall, Arkansas, to clear the bills.
“All our health care clients forgive an individual debt when special situations arise on a fairly routine basis. Forgiving debt of this magnitude was a first for RMC,” Cheesman told TODAY. “Oncology patients are faced with very difficult challenges, even more so during this pandemic. What a wonderful Christmas gift he gave to his patients.”
The Arkansas Medical Society said it was proud of Atiq, the group’s former president, for “this most generous and amazing gift he gave to his patients this year.”Atiq, who is originally from Pakistan and came to the U.S. in 1985, said it was gratifying to hear from patients expressing their thanks. He still practices as an oncologist, focusing on head and neck cancers and lung cancer, at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
He was “glad and grateful” to be able to help his patients, but for him, the bigger concern was them owing money in the first place.is one of the biggest causes of personal bankruptcies,” Atiq said. “In a country that is so vast, so rich, so prosperous for that to happen, I think that's the issue — not necessarily that somebody was able to help in a small way.”A. Pawlowski is a TODAY contributing editor focusing on health news and features.
Thank you doctor. This is such a blessing to those who were treated at the clinic. Imagine the relief they must feel. Goosebumps. Amazing and wonderful. Good bless you. It was so nice to read this today. Hero.
Awesome 👏
Thank you
These are the kind of stories that get buried in turbulent times. May God bless you richly!
What a kind heart.💕
Awesome!!
The his is the best story
Sweet💞💞💞
This is the first time you have reported something positive and not your normal one sided bs. Bless you doctor. We need more loving hearts in this world.
Wow! First good story I heard in 2021. Thank you.
I need a Doctor Who will make a house call. I am in a very unique situation that is hard for the average person to understand. But I really need one, like a year ago. Please help me!
A doctor doing that for his patients? giving up money for them? Unbelievable!
👏👏👏👏👏
💕💕👏👏👏👏
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.