Obituary: The man who shaped today’s Polyclinic

Islamabad : Dr Shaukat Hamid Kiani may have left this world on February 26 at 72, but as theformer head of Polyclinic hospital in Islamabad, his footprints in healthcare remain firmly planted.

A highly respected medical professional, he was celebrated for his visionary leadership in healthcare administration. His relentless commitment to improving medical services at Polyclinic made a profound and lasting mark on the capital city's healthcare landscape.

Starting his career as a medical officer at Polyclinic, Dr Kiani steadily rose through the ranks, serving as the joint executive director before ultimately becoming the executive director. His tenure was marked by significant improvements in hospital infrastructure, modernisation of medical services and advocacy for better patient care policies. Also, he served as the medical superintendent at the CRD, National Institute of Health, for seven years, further showcasing his administrative expertise.

His contributions to healthcare were nationally recognised when he was awarded the Presidential Pride of Performance in 2009. The prestigious honour acknowledged not only his hospital management achievements but also his invaluable role in providing critical medical assistance after the 2005 earthquake in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. As one of the first responders, he helped save countless lives.

A strong academic background laid the foundation for Dr Kiani’s impactful career. He pursued medical education both nationally and internationally, excelling in clinical practice and healthcare management. As ED of Polyclinic, he spearheaded transformative changes that improved the operational efficiency at the federal capital's second-largest public hospital, after PIMS. His leadership was characterised by implementing advanced medical technologies, enhancing hospital facilities to meet international standards, introducing training programmes to improve the skills of medical and paramedical staff and focusing on patient care and efficient medical services.

Under his leadership, Polyclinic became one of Islamabad’s leading medical institutions, playing a crucial role in responding to health crises by establishing specialised centres for pandemics and emerging diseases.

Among his key initiatives was the ambitious plan to expand Polyclinic into the adjacent Argentina Park. The project aimed to increase hospital capacity and improve healthcare services by constructing new departments and upgrading existing infrastructure. However, the expansion faced bureaucratic hurdles, environmental considerations and community concerns. Despite these challenges, Dr Kiani’s groundwork initiated crucial discussions on improving healthcare infrastructure in the region.

Beyond administration, he was admired for his professionalism, kindness and unwavering commitment to public service. His leadership set a high standard for future administrators and his legacy continues to inspire improvements in hospital management and patient care.

Dr Kiani’s tenure at Polyclinic is a classic case of what happens when vision meets action in healthcare.