SKMH is a blessing for the people of Pakistan

Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital (SKMH) has always been a messiah for cancer patients in Pakistan for well over 32 years. Beyond doubt, the facility is an exemplar for other hospitals in the health sector, both government and private, alike. Imran Khan conceived the idea of building a cancer hospital after the death of his mother, who passed away because there was no such hospital where cancer patients could be treated. Profoundly shaken by the ordeal, Imran Khan remained in a state of trauma until he laid the foundation of the first-ever cancer hospital in Lahore.

Khan was facing a dilemma: how would he build such a facility that could provide treatment to patients suffering from a life-threatening malady like cancer? It was not only the building that he was worried about. It entailed the procurement of expensive machinery, highly qualified doctors, nurses, and administrative staff to provide treatment to 75 per cent of poor people free of charge. The major concern before him was how to secure such substantial funding.

Those who know Khan well are aware that once he makes up his mind to do something, he remains unyieldingly focused. So, Khan decided to raise funds for the project. Initially, he invested the money he earned by winning the 1992 Cricket World Cup, which proved to be a catalytic impetus. After this, there was no looking back. Resolute and indefatigable, Khan launched untiring activities to translate his dream into reality.

Imran Khan’s vision was to create a state-of-the-art tertiary-care cancer hospital where no patient would be denied treatment due to financial constraints. The mission was to provide world-class oncological care free of cost to deserving patients. The Lahore SKMH was inaugurated in December 1994.

In a meeting with this scribe at Zaman Park residence, Khan told me that after the Lahore facility became operational, he never had to have a sleepless night worrying about the funds. He cited an example, saying that once, massive funds to the tune of 60 million were required for importing the latest equipment. The next evening, one of his friends visited him, and he shared his problem. The friend took out his cheque book and signed a cheque for the required amount, saying that for such an amount, you do not need to look for someone else.

I am speaking from personal experience. My first wife had to undergo breast cancer surgery. From the first step of entering SKMH to taking her home after treatment, everything impressed me. I could not venture to compare SKMH with any of the government or private hospitals in terms of atmosphere, attitude of the administrative staff, and quality of treatment, including chemotherapy, laboratory tests and investigations by the consultants.

I sent laboratory test reports of my wife to my daughter, Dr Shabana Bokhari, who was at that time a General Practitioner (GP) in Cheshire (UK). She referred these reports and the process of chemotherapy carried out by SKMH to Dr Jalal Kokan, a renowned breast surgeon from India.

Dr Kokan thoroughly studied the SKMH reports and the administration of chemotherapy and said he was astonished to see the standard of SKMH and the skill of the medical staff. He was of the view that SKMH's performance could be compared with any cancer hospital across the world.

Similarly, a gentleman from Sialkot, Mehtab Dar’s six-year-old daughter, who was suffering from cancer, was brought to SKMH for treatment. The doctors diagnosed cancer after undertaking several tests and started the treatment. While she was undergoing treatment at SKMH, one of the girl’s relatives suggested her family take the girl for treatment to a certain doctor who enjoyed a formidable reputation as a cancer surgeon.

The family of the girl was affluent and could afford to take her for treatment abroad, so they took her to Germany and contacted the same doctor. After having gone through the test reports and the protocol of her treatment at SKMH, he was not only impressed but also observed that the standard of treatment at SKMH could be compared with any pre-eminent cancer hospital. “I am a cancer doctor and would be happy to give her treatment. But for the sake of her safety, I would suggest she should be taken back to Pakistan and be treated at SKMH, which would also save you huge expenses.” Therefore, she was brought back to SKMH, where she was treated. She has since been declared cancer-free and is completing her education.

Another fact that surprised me the most is that there is no ‘Prachi system’ in any department of the hospital. Everyone is treated on merit, be that a poor patient admitted for free or an affluent paid patient.

It may be added that Peshawar Hospital was inaugurated in December 2015. Both hospitals were established with the support of donors from Pakistan and overseas Pakistanis who trusted the vision of transparent and charitable healthcare. The upcoming Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital Karachi, which is going to open in Dec 2026, will provide advanced cancer treatment not only to patients from interior Sindh but also to those travelling from Balochistan, ensuring quality care for marginalised areas of southern Pakistan.

Shaukat Khanum Laboratories were established to provide reliable and high-quality diagnostic services to the public. The revenue generated from laboratory services directly supports cancer treatment for underprivileged patients at Shaukat Khanum hospitals. By using these laboratory services, the public not only receives accurate diagnostic care but also contributes to saving lives.

As mentioned above, the hospital is staffed by highly competent and experienced doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals, trained to provide world-class cancer care. Their dedication ensures patients receive accurate diagnosis, advanced treatment, and compassionate care, maintaining the hospital’s reputation for excellence.

Another credit goes to the founder of this hospital, based on personal experience and observations. Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre provides free cancer treatment to underprivileged patients, which is nothing short of a miracle. Considering that cancer treatment is extremely expensive and often requires long-term care, receiving such high-quality care free of cost is truly extraordinary and life-changing.

I urge everyone to donate generously to Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, as it is a beacon of hope providing invaluable services for the betterment of humanity. Every contribution helps ensure that more patients, especially the underprivileged, receive life-saving cancer treatment. I remember having said during a telethon hosted by ARY that donating to SKMH should be considered a duty by every individual, irrespective of his or her political affiliations.