Civic Health Starts with Awareness; A Journey Through Ostomy and Culture

In a city as diverse as Vancouver, healthcare awareness must extend beyond medical facts—it must also address cultural understanding, language barriers, and the need for inclusive support systems. One such pressing issue often hidden in silence is ostomy care, a subject that carries both physical and emotional weight for many, especially within immigrant communities. For the Iranian-Canadian population, where cultural stigma and lack of accessible information persist, raising awareness around this life-altering medical procedure is not just a health issue—it is a civic matter.

In a recent interview with SkyRise Media Society, Tara Hashemi, a former pharmacist from Iran now working in Vancouver’s healthcare sector, shed light on the often overlooked topic of ostomy care. With decades of experience and a strong connection to both the medical field and the Iranian community, Hashemi emphasized the importance of raising awareness about this medical condition and the gaps in culturally competent care.

An ostomy, she explained, is a surgical procedure that creates an alternate route for bodily waste due to intestinal or urinary issues—conditions that can arise from cancer, trauma, or congenital disorders. Contrary to common assumptions, ostomy isn’t exclusive to the elderly. Children, youth, and even newborns can require the procedure, often as a result of serious illnesses or birth defects.

Hashemi now runs clinics in Coquitlam and North Vancouver, offering post-operative support through a team of specialized ostomy nurses. These professionals provide essential services such as appliance fitting, patient education, and ongoing health monitoring. Her work fills a critical gap for Persian-speaking immigrants who may struggle to navigate the healthcare system due to language and cultural barriers.

She recalled several cases where Iranian patients newly arrived in Canada faced difficulty communicating with English-speaking healthcare providers. In these moments, her ability to speak Farsi and understand cultural sensitivities made a significant difference in patients’ recovery and emotional well-being.

Access to ostomy supplies is another area where her clinics offer critical support. While hospitals usually provide limited product options under exclusive contracts, Hashemi’s clinics connect patients with a broader range of manufacturers and ensure they receive properly fitted appliances.

When it comes to government coverage, Hashemi clarified that British Columbia’s Medical Services Plan (MSP) offers some assistance through PharmaCare’s income-based programs, which help cover the cost of ostomy supplies for eligible residents. Additionally, disability assistance programs and extended health benefits may offer further support. However, she noted that many patients must still rely on private insurance or out-of-pocket expenses to manage their full care needs. This financial burden can be especially challenging for newcomers or low-income families unfamiliar with the system.

Beyond the medical care, Hashemi’s clinic fosters community by hosting informal gatherings where patients can share experiences and support one another. This, she noted, is particularly crucial for individuals adjusting to permanent ostomies, as the psychological impact can be as challenging as the physical.

Hashemi stressed the need for continued education and open conversations within the community. In the Iranian diaspora, particularly among newcomers, health issues like ostomy are often treated as private or even taboo subjects. But as she observed, the increasing prevalence of gastrointestinal issues—particularly among younger people—makes awareness more urgent than ever.

Her message is clear: ostomy is a medical condition like any other. With the right information, proper support, and community understanding, those affected can live full, healthy lives.

Sherry concluded by reflecting on the importance of listening to stories like Tara Hashemi’s—stories that remind us how vital compassion, awareness, and culturally sensitive care are in building healthier communities. By amplifying these community voices through media and public dialogue, she believes that conversations like this are essential to creating informed, compassionate, and connected civic spaces.

LJI Journalist: SHerry Soltani

Skyrise Media Society