- Imamia Medics International raised USD800,000 at a fundraising dinner in New York.
- The funds are for University Medical Complex hospitals being built in Karachi and Lahore.
- The two hospitals are expected to serve one million patients a year, 200,000 of them free or at subsidised rates.
- About 80 senior overseas physicians have volunteered to train local staff without charging a fee.
A global organisation of Pakistani doctors has raised USD800,000 at a fundraising dinner in New York. The money is meant for two University Medical Complex hospitals now under construction in Karachi and Lahore.
Imamia Medics International (IMI) hosted the event. The contributions are intended to support the development of modern healthcare facilities and the advancement of medical education in Pakistan.
A well-attended evening in New York
More than 600 guests attended the dinner. They included Pakistani-origin doctors, engineers, scientists and writers, along with other prominent members of the community.
Participants showed generous support for the initiative. Their contributions are intended for the development of modern medical facilities and the training of future doctors in Pakistan.
Diplomatic presence and a literary touch
Pakistan's Consul General in New York, Aamer Ahmed Atozai, attended as a special guest. A message from Pakistan's Ambassador, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, was also shared with the participants.
The ambassador's message highlighted the importance of initiatives that strengthen the country's healthcare sector.
The programme also had a literary and cultural element. Dr. Azra Raza, a cancer specialist and poet, captivated the audience with her poetry.
What the hospitals are meant to deliver
Together, the two hospitals are expected to provide advanced healthcare to one million patients every year. Of these, 200,000 are to be treated either free of charge or at subsidised rates.
The funds are also meant to widen access to quality care. They will create opportunities for the education, professional development and training of young doctors in Pakistan.
Around 80 senior physicians based overseas have so far volunteered their expertise. They will train local healthcare professionals at both hospitals and will not charge any fee.
Karachi campus already under construction
For the Karachi campus, IMI has partnered with the Baqir Health and Educational Welfare Trust and the Zaidi Abid Foundation. Construction there has begun.
The Karachi campus will be a multi-specialty tertiary care hospital spread over seven floors. It will also include medical research facilities.
Construction of the Karachi campus has already begun, and the funds raised will go towards the University Medical Complex projects in Karachi and Lahore.
Questions and answers
How much did Imamia Medics International raise?
The organisation raised USD800,000 at its fundraising dinner in New York.
What will the money be used for?
It will support the University Medical Complex hospitals under construction in Karachi and Lahore. The aim is modern medical facilities, better access to quality care and training for young doctors.
How many patients will the hospitals serve?
Together they are expected to serve one million patients a year. About 200,000 of them will be treated free of charge or at subsidised rates.