Shifa Free Clinic reopens in new location

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A free clinic that anticipates helping thousands of patients and serving tens of thousands through its food pantry over the next three years is holding a ribbon cutting in Charleston Thursday.

The Shifa Free Clinic will open its new location at 10 a.m. at 668 Marina Dr., Suite A5.

“We look forward to continuing our services to the uninsured tri-county residents in a more welcoming and larger facility,” founder and Medical Director Dr. Reshma Khan said.

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg will be on hand for the ribbon cutting along with other community leaders.

The new facility allows for the expansion of patients in the Charleston area to receive high-quality medical care and participate in hunger-prevention programs. The facility has five rooms to provide eyecare, primary care, OBGYN, vaccines and cancer screenings to the anticipated number of 500 patients per month over the next five years.

“This facility is not just mine, it is for all of us. It’s for our team, it’s for you, i’s for every community member; this is for all of us,” Khan said. “I appreciate you guys to let me be a part of this and let me be of service to you. This is my blessing to thank you.”

With the expected growth, Shifa Free Clinic anticipates up to 6,000 patient visits and 70,000 individuals served through the food pantry.

“The Shifa Clinic has a remarkable impact on the Lowcountry of South Carolina, serving the needs of our brothers and sisters who otherwise would not be able to attain that level of high professional medical care,” Tecklenburg said.

The new clinic is moving from its former location on Johnnie Dodds Boulevard in Mount Pleasant. The clinic, which was founded in 2012, has grown into a full-time comprehensive medical clinic, a release from Tecklenburg’s office states.

Chris Marino, the chairman of the Shifa Capital Campaign, is leading a $4 million campaign to purchase the facility and fund the next three years of operating expenses to expand services to meet demand.

The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.