NAATI CCL Urdu Health & Medical Practice Dialogues — Worked Examples

Urdu medical interpreting requires navigating the Perso-Arabic vocabulary layer that dominates formal health discourse, with terms like علاج (ilaaj, treatment), تشخیص (tashkhees, diagnosis), and نسخہ (nuskha, prescription) carrying precise clinical weight. The Nastaliq script convention means that written medical instructions flow right-to-left, creating document-handling challenges for interpreters working between Urdu and English texts. The gender-honorific agreement system affects medical statements — دوائی لی (medicine taken, feminine agreement because دوائی is feminine) vs. ٹیکا لیا (injection taken, masculine agreement) — requiring constant grammatical tracking. Formal register markers like براہ کرم (baraah-e-karam, please) and جناب (janaab, sir) signal institutional formality that must be preserved. Code-mixing with English medical terms like BP, sugar, tablet, and report is pervasive in Urdu health conversations. Culturally specific expressions like گرمی چڑھنا (garmi charhna, heat rising) describe symptoms through humoral concepts that require contextual medical interpretation rather than literal translation.

7 practice dialogues

GP Visit — Persistent Headaches

This dialogue is between a woman and a Doctor at a GP clinic. The woman has been experiencing persistent headaches for several weeks and is seeking medical advice.

Seg 1Doctor
English → LOTE

Good morning. I can see from your file that you've been experiencing headaches for the past two weeks. Can you describe the pain for me?

Seg 2Patient
LOTE → English

جی ڈاکٹر صاحب۔ درد زیادہ تر سر کے دائیں طرف ہوتا ہے۔ صبح شروع ہوتا ہے اور دن بھر بڑھتا رہتا ہے۔ کبھی کبھی چکر بھی آتے ہیں۔

Seg 3Doctor
English → LOTE

I see. Have you noticed any changes in your vision, or do you feel nauseous when the headaches are severe?

Seg 4Patient
LOTE → English

بینائی کبھی کبھی تھوڑی دھندلی ہو جاتی ہے، لیکن متلی نہیں ہوتی۔ میں پیراسیٹامول لے رہا ہوں، لیکن صرف چند گھنٹے کام کرتی ہے۔

Seg 5Doctor
English → LOTE

I'd like to run some tests, including a blood test and possibly a CT scan, just to rule out anything serious. I'll also refer you to a specialist if needed.

Seg 6Patient
LOTE → English

یہ تو تھوڑا فکر والی بات ہے۔ ٹیسٹ کے نتائج آنے میں کتنا وقت لگے گا؟ مجھے ڈر ہے کہیں کوئی سنگین بات نہ ہو۔

Seg 7Doctor
English → LOTE

The blood test results should be available within three days. The CT scan might take about a week. Please try not to worry — most headaches have simple causes like stress or tension.

Seg 8Patient
LOTE → English

شکریہ ڈاکٹر۔ کیا اس دوران پیراسیٹامول جاری رکھوں، یا کوئی مضبوط دوائی تجویز کریں گے؟

Seg 9Doctor
English → LOTE

You can continue with paracetamol for now, but don't exceed four grams per day. I'll also prescribe a mild anti-inflammatory that may help with the pain. Make sure you stay hydrated and get enough rest.

Seg 10Patient
LOTE → English

سمجھ آ گئی۔ باہر جاتے ہوئے فرنٹ ڈیسک سے ٹیسٹ بک کروا لوں گا۔ شکریہ ڈاکٹر۔

Seg 11Doctor
English → LOTE

One more thing — if your headaches suddenly become much worse, or you experience sudden vision loss or difficulty speaking, please go to the emergency department immediately.

Seg 12Patient
LOTE → English

جی ضرور۔ مشورے کا شکریہ ڈاکٹر۔ نتائج آنے کے بعد فالو اپ کے لیے ضرور آؤں گا۔

Emergency Room — Chest Pain

This dialogue is between a man and a Triage Nurse at an emergency department. The man has arrived with chest pain and tightness and the nurse is assessing his condition.

Seg 1Triage Nurse
English → LOTE

Hello, I'm the triage nurse. Can you tell me what brought you to the emergency department today?

Seg 2Patient
LOTE → English

صبح سے سینے میں درد ہو رہا ہے۔ تنگ اور بھاری محسوس ہوتا ہے، جیسے کوئی چیز سینے پر دبا رہی ہو۔ سانس لینے میں بھی تکلیف ہے۔

Seg 3Triage Nurse
English → LOTE

On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate the pain? Does it spread to your arm, jaw, or back?

Seg 4Patient
LOTE → English

تقریباً سات۔ درد بائیں بازو تک پھیلتا ہے۔ پسینہ بھی آ رہا ہے اور سر ہلکا محسوس ہو رہا ہے۔

Seg 5Triage Nurse
English → LOTE

Given your symptoms, we need to act quickly. I'm taking you to the treatment area immediately. We'll do an ECG and blood tests right away. Are you allergic to any medications?

Seg 6Patient
LOTE → English

نہیں، کوئی الرجی نہیں۔ لیکن میں روزانہ بلڈ پریشر کی دوائی لیتا ہوں — شاید املوڈیپین۔

Seg 7Triage Nurse
English → LOTE

Thank you. Is there anyone we should contact — a family member or next of kin?

Seg 8Patient
LOTE → English

جی، میری بیوی کو فون کریں۔ ان کا نام مے ہے اور نمبر 0412 345 678 ہے۔

Seg 9Triage Nurse
English → LOTE

We're going to monitor your heart rhythm and give you some aspirin as a precaution. A doctor will see you within the next few minutes.

Seg 10Patient
LOTE → English

شکریہ۔ کیا یہ ہارٹ اٹیک ہے؟ مجھے بہت ڈر لگ رہا ہے۔

Seg 11Triage Nurse
English → LOTE

We won't know until we've done the tests. Try to stay calm and rest. The medical team will explain everything once they've assessed you.

Seg 12Patient
LOTE → English

ٹھیک ہے۔ اتنی جلدی کام کرنے کا شکریہ۔ آپ کی مدد کی قدر کرتا ہوں۔

Pharmacy — Prescription Medication

This dialogue is between a man and a Pharmacist. The man has come to fill a prescription for cholesterol medication and the pharmacist is explaining the dosage and side effects.

Seg 1Pharmacist
English → LOTE

Good afternoon. I see you have a prescription here. Before I fill it, I need to ask a few questions. Is this medication for you?

Seg 2Patient
LOTE → English

جی ہاں، میرے لیے ہے۔ ڈاکٹر نے کولیسٹرول بڑھنے پر تجویز کی ہے۔ روزانہ لینی ہے۔

Seg 3Pharmacist
English → LOTE

This is atorvastatin, a statin medication. Take one tablet at night, preferably at the same time each day. Are you currently taking any other medications or supplements?

Seg 4Patient
LOTE → English

وٹامن ڈی سپلیمنٹ اور کبھی کبھی فش آئل کیپسول لیتا ہوں۔ بلڈ پریشر کی گولیاں بھی — شاید میٹوپرولول۔

Seg 5Pharmacist
English → LOTE

There are no major interactions between those medications. However, avoid eating grapefruit while taking atorvastatin, as it can increase drug levels in your blood. Common side effects include muscle pain and digestive issues.

Seg 6Patient
LOTE → English

تو چکوترا بالکل نہیں؟ اگر پٹھوں میں درد ہو تو کیا کروں؟ کیا دوائی بند کر دوں؟

Seg 7Pharmacist
English → LOTE

If you experience significant muscle pain, see your doctor before stopping the medication. Don't stop it on your own.

Seg 8Patient
LOTE → English

سمجھ آ گئی۔ اس کی قیمت کتنی ہوگی؟ میرے پاس رعایتی کارڈ ہے۔

Seg 9Pharmacist
English → LOTE

With your concession card, the cost is seven dollars sixty for a month's supply. Would you like me to put it on your medication record?

Seg 10Patient
LOTE → English

جی ہاں۔ اگلی بار آسانی ہوگی۔

Seg 11Pharmacist
English → LOTE

Your medication will be ready in about ten minutes. You can wait here or come back later. Do you have any other questions?

Seg 12Patient
LOTE → English

نہیں، بس اتنا ہی۔ سب کچھ واضح طور پر سمجھانے کا شکریہ۔

Specialist Referral — Cardiologist

This dialogue is between a woman and a Cardiologist, Dr Chen. The woman has been referred by her GP for heart-related symptoms and is undergoing specialist assessment.

Seg 1Cardiologist
English → LOTE

Good morning. I'm Dr Chen, the cardiologist. Your GP referred you because of some abnormal results in your recent ECG. How have you been feeling?

Seg 2Patient
LOTE → English

زیادہ تر ٹھیک ہوں، لیکن کبھی کبھی بغیر کسی وجہ کے دل تیز دھڑکتا ہے۔ عام طور پر رات کو یا آرام کے وقت ہوتا ہے۔

Seg 3Cardiologist
English → LOTE

How long do these episodes last, and how often do they occur?

Seg 4Patient
LOTE → English

تقریباً پانچ سے دس منٹ اور ہفتے میں دو تین بار۔ تقریباً دو ماہ پہلے شروع ہوا۔

Seg 5Cardiologist
English → LOTE

I'd like to perform an echocardiogram today — an ultrasound of your heart. It shows how your heart is functioning. We may also fit a Holter monitor to record your rhythm over twenty-four hours.

Seg 6Patient
LOTE → English

کیا ایکو کارڈیوگرام میں درد ہوتا ہے؟ کیا ہولٹر مانیٹر کے لیے ہسپتال میں رہنا پڑے گا؟

Seg 7Cardiologist
English → LOTE

No, the echocardiogram is completely painless — it's just like a regular ultrasound. The Holter monitor is a small device you wear home and return the next day.

Seg 8Patient
LOTE → English

اطمینان ہوا۔ میرے والد کو دل کی بیماری تھی، اس لیے بہت پریشان ہوں۔

Seg 9Cardiologist
English → LOTE

Family history is important, and it's good that you're getting this checked. We'll have a much clearer picture after these tests. In the meantime, avoid caffeine and alcohol.

Seg 10Patient
LOTE → English

میں عام طور پر دن میں دو تین کافی پیتا ہوں۔ کیا بالکل چھوڑ دوں؟

Seg 11Cardiologist
English → LOTE

Try to reduce it to one cup in the morning at most. Caffeine can trigger the palpitations you've been experiencing. I'll also check your thyroid function, as that can sometimes cause similar symptoms.

Seg 12Patient
LOTE → English

شکریہ، ڈاکٹر چن۔ منصوبہ ہے جان کر تسلی ہوئی۔

Mental Health — Counselling Session

This dialogue is between a man and a Counsellor at a mental health session. The man has been dealing with stress and anxiety, and this is a follow-up counselling session.

Seg 1Counsellor
English → LOTE

Welcome back. How have you been since our last session? I remember you were going through a difficult time at work.

Seg 2Client
LOTE → English

مشکل دو ہفتے رہے۔ مینیجر سے بحث ہو گئی، اب لگتا ہے کسی چیز پر توجہ نہیں دے سکتا۔ نیند بھی اچھی نہیں آتی۔

Seg 3Counsellor
English → LOTE

I'm sorry to hear that. When you say you can't concentrate, can you give me an example of how that's affecting your daily life?

Seg 4Client
LOTE → English

چیزیں بھولتا رہتا ہوں — ملاقاتیں اور ڈیڈلائنز۔ کل بچوں کو اسکول سے لینا بھول گیا کیونکہ وقت کا بالکل اندازہ نہیں رہا۔

Seg 5Counsellor
English → LOTE

That must have been very stressful. It sounds like the anxiety from work is spilling over into other areas of your life. Have you had any thoughts of harming yourself?

Seg 6Client
LOTE → English

نہیں، ایسا کچھ نہیں۔ بس بہت زیادہ بوجھ اور تھکاوٹ محسوس ہوتی ہے۔ کبھی کبھی سوچتا ہوں کیا حالات کبھی بہتر ہوں گے۔

Seg 7Counsellor
English → LOTE

Those feelings are very common when we're under prolonged stress. I'd like to teach you some breathing techniques that can help manage the anxiety in the moment. Would you be open to that?

Seg 8Client
LOTE → English

جی ہاں، اب تو کچھ بھی آزمانے کو تیار ہوں۔ میری بیوی کہتی ہے شاید دوائی کی ضرورت ہے۔ آپ کے خیال میں ضروری ہے؟

Seg 9Counsellor
English → LOTE

That's something your GP can assess. I can write a letter recommending a review if you'd like. In the meantime, let's focus on some practical strategies. How much exercise are you getting?

Seg 10Client
LOTE → English

بالکل نہیں۔ پہلے ہفتے میں تین بار جم جاتا تھا، لیکن مہینوں سے نہیں گیا۔

Seg 11Counsellor
English → LOTE

Getting back to some form of regular exercise, even just a thirty-minute walk each day, can significantly improve sleep and reduce anxiety. Let's set that as a goal for this week.

Seg 12Client
LOTE → English

ٹھیک ہے، کام سے پہلے ہر صبح سیر کی کوشش کروں گا۔ شکریہ — بات کرنے سے ہی تھوڑا بہتر محسوس ہو رہا ہے۔

Dental Appointment — Toothache

This dialogue is between a man and a Dentist. The man has come in with a toothache and the dentist is diagnosing the problem and explaining treatment options.

Seg 1Dentist
English → LOTE

Good morning. I can see from your notes that you're here for a toothache. Can you point to where the pain is?

Seg 2Patient
LOTE → English

نیچے دائیں طرف یہ دانت ہے۔ تقریباً ایک ہفتے سے درد ہو رہا ہے، خاص طور پر ٹھنڈا کھانے پینے پر۔

Seg 3Dentist
English → LOTE

Let me take a look. I'm going to use this mirror and probe to examine the area. You might feel some pressure. When did you last visit a dentist?

Seg 4Patient
LOTE → English

شاید تین سال پہلے۔ میں جانتا ہوں باقاعدگی سے آنا چاہیے، لیکن کام میں مصروف رہا۔

Seg 5Dentist
English → LOTE

There's a large cavity in your lower right molar. The decay has gone deep, causing the sensitivity. We'll need an X-ray to see if the nerve is affected.

Seg 6Patient
LOTE → English

کیا اس کا مطلب روٹ کینال ہو سکتا ہے؟ میرے دوست نے کروایا تھا اور بہت تکلیف دہ بتایا۔

Seg 7Dentist
English → LOTE

Let's wait for the X-ray results before deciding treatment. Root canals today are much more comfortable than before. We use local anaesthetic, so you shouldn't feel pain.

Seg 8Patient
LOTE → English

علاج کی قیمت کتنی ہوگی؟ میری پرائیویٹ ہیلتھ انشورنس نہیں ہے۔

Seg 9Dentist
English → LOTE

A filling would be around two hundred dollars, and a root canal with a crown can range from one thousand to two thousand dollars. We do offer payment plans if that helps.

Seg 10Patient
LOTE → English

یہ تو توقع سے زیادہ ہے۔ کوئی سستا آپشن ہے؟

Seg 11Dentist
English → LOTE

If the X-ray shows the nerve isn't damaged, a filling should be sufficient and much more affordable. Let's take the X-ray first and then discuss your options.

Seg 12Patient
LOTE → English

ٹھیک ہے، ایکسرے کر لیتے ہیں۔ بس درد بند ہونا چاہیے۔

Physiotherapy Assessment — Back Injury

This dialogue is between a man and a Physiotherapist. The man has been referred for lower back pain treatment and is having his initial assessment.

Seg 1Physiotherapist
English → LOTE

Hi there. I'm your physiotherapist. I understand you've been referred for lower back pain following a workplace injury. Can you tell me what happened?

Seg 2Patient
LOTE → English

تقریباً تین ہفتے پہلے کام پر بھاری ڈبہ اٹھاتے وقت کمر میں تیز درد ہوا۔ اب تک ٹھیک نہیں ہوا۔

Seg 3Physiotherapist
English → LOTE

On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate the pain right now? And does it travel down either of your legs?

Seg 4Patient
LOTE → English

ابھی تقریباً پانچ، لیکن جھکنے یا دیر تک بیٹھنے پر آٹھ ہو جاتا ہے۔ بائیں ٹانگ میں کبھی کبھی جھنجھناہٹ بھی ہوتی ہے۔

Seg 5Physiotherapist
English → LOTE

The tingling could indicate nerve involvement. I'm going to do some physical assessments now — I'll ask you to do some movements and I'll check your reflexes. Please tell me if anything causes sharp pain.

Seg 6Patient
LOTE → English

ٹھیک ہے۔ بتاتا چلوں کہ میرے ورکرز کمپنسیشن کے دعوے کی منظوری ہو چکی ہے، تو علاج کا خرچہ اٹھایا جا رہا ہے۔

Seg 7Physiotherapist
English → LOTE

That's good to know. Based on my initial assessment, I'd recommend twice-weekly sessions for the next six weeks. We'll focus on strengthening your core muscles and improving flexibility.

Seg 8Patient
LOTE → English

کیا گھر پر بھی ورزش کرنی ہوگی؟

Seg 9Physiotherapist
English → LOTE

Absolutely. Home exercises are essential for recovery. I'll give you a printed sheet with five simple exercises to do daily. They should only take about fifteen minutes.

Seg 10Patient
LOTE → English

آجر چاہتا ہے جلد کام پر واپس آؤں۔ آپ کے خیال میں کب واپس جا سکتا ہوں؟

Seg 11Physiotherapist
English → LOTE

It depends on your role. Light duties might be possible in two to three weeks. I'll prepare a return-to-work plan and communicate with your employer's injury management team.

Seg 12Patient
LOTE → English

شکریہ۔ اس پوری صورتحال سے بہت تناؤ تھا، منصوبہ ہونا اچھا لگ رہا ہے۔

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