Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital Secures Rs35 Million in Fundraising Drive
The Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital has successfully raised approximately Rs35 million through a fundraising dinner, aimed at bolstering its free and subsidised eye care services throughout Pakistan. The event, named ‘Noor Phir Sey’, was hosted at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts in Islamabad and featured a blend of charitable appeals with cultural and Sufi music performances. According to a Trust spokesperson, the gathering attracted corporate donors, philanthropists, and civil society members, with several attendees also pledging to donate their eyes posthumously.
Expanding Eye Care Services Across the Nation
Major General (retd) Rehmat Khan, President of Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, expressed gratitude to individual and corporate donors, emphasising that sustained philanthropy is crucial in combating preventable blindness in the country. He highlighted the Trust's growth from treating around 25 patients daily in its early years to nearly 5,000 patients per day over the past three decades. Rehmat Khan explained that the Trust operates on a cross-subsidisation model, where paying patients help finance free treatment for those unable to afford care. He noted that nearly 80 percent of patients receive free treatment at hospitals in Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Kohat, Sukkur, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit.
New Facilities and Future Projects
Rehmat Khan announced that the Lahore Eye Hospital is expected to commence operations by 2027, marking a significant expansion in the Trust's network. Additionally, the construction of the Haveli Lakha facility has been completed, with an inauguration planned during the Holy Month of Ramazan. The project incurred a total cost of Rs162 million, including Rs122 million for construction and Rs40 million for medical equipment. Notable donors contributing to the fundraising efforts included Oil and Gas Development Company Limited, Askari Bank, the Bank of Punjab, the Rupani Foundation, Dr Tahira Idrees, and Group Captain Imtiaz Ali Khan.
Progress in Reducing Blindness Rates
Pakistan has witnessed a notable decline in its blindness rate, dropping from 1.78 percent in 1990 to about 0.5 percent today. Health experts attribute this reduction partly to increased access to cataract surgery and earlier diagnosis. However, they caution that much visual impairment remains avoidable, with rising costs and limited facilities continuing to strain rural households. The funds raised through the ‘Noor Phir Sey’ event will be utilised to expand surgical capacity, outreach programmes, and subsidised treatment in underserved regions, as confirmed by the Trust spokesperson.
