Al-Shifa Trust starts operations in Gilgit

Rawalpindi:Responding to the increasing demand for quality eye care services, the Al-Shifa Trust started providing free services to the people of remote areas before the completion of the cutting-edge hospital in Gilgit.

The move, which results from a joint venture between the Al-Shifa Trust and the Rupani Foundation, will benefit millions of underserved people, many of whom cannot afford quality services. According to AST, doctors have already begun helping many patients in this still-under-construction portion of the hospital, a significant advancement.

In this regard, a ceremony was held in which Minister of Health Gilgit-Baltistan, Raja Azam Khan, participated as the chief guest. He lauded the trust’s efforts in bringing advanced eye care services to faraway areas. The minister said that previously, residents of Gilgit-Baltistan had to travel to other provinces for eye treatments, incurring significant financial and emotional costs.

The groundbreaking of the state-of-the-art hospital took place just five months ago, in July 2024. Al-Shifa Trust has prioritized the commencement of its operations, recognizing the urgent need for quality eye care in the area despite its scheduled completion in 2026. The newly inaugurated facility has already started offering outpatient department services and eye surgeries, with fully trained and highly skilled doctors and support teams now on the ground.

All services will be free to the community, reinforcing the trust’s commitment to eradicating preventable blindness and improving access to specialized eye care in underserved regions like Gilgit-Baltistan.

Abdul Rehman Mithani, advisor to Rupani Development Initiatives, illuminated the Rupani Foundation’s evolution, goals, and ongoing projects at the ceremony. He stated that the foundation focuses on improving people’s lives through quality education, community development and superior healthcare facilities.

Mithani emphasized that the Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital is a remarkable gift for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, offering free treatments, medicines and surgeries. Ministers, senior government officials and other dignitaries also attended the inaugural event and commended Al-Shifa Trust for its visionary approach and timely action in addressing healthcare gaps. Participants said that enhancing healthcare access in remote areas is a noble cause. This initiative aims to revolutionize healthcare delivery by offering cutting-edge medical services to underprivileged communities.

After completion, the AST’s Gilgit-Baltistan Eye Hospital will be the region’s first. It will offer advanced medical care and ensure that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan receive world-class eye treatment close to home. The inauguration of this hospital marks a new chapter for Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital’s legacy of excellence and service. The hospital continues to expand its footprints across Pakistan to provide accessible and quality eye care to all.