The Pakistan Post Office Thursday released a commemorative postage stamp of Rs20 featuring Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC). 

The stamp is issued to mark 25th anniversary of the country’s only cancer hospital with free treatment facilities to over 75% of its patients. SKMCH&RC, a state-of-the-art cancer hospital, was built in 1994 by the current Prime Minister, Imran Khan, with the help of Pakistanis from across the globe. 

A ceremony was held on Thursday at SKMCH&RC, Lahore where the Postmaster General for Punjab Khalid Awais Ranjha, Postmaster General Central Punjab Circle Lahore Rana Hassan Akhtar and the CMO & acting CEO of Shaukat Khanum Hospital Dr Muhammed Aasim Yusuf along with cancer survivors Fatima Babar and Yahya Waqas unveiled the commemorative postage stamp.

Khalid Ranjha said that a total of two hundred thousand copies of the Shaukat Khanum commemorative stamp have been printed and are available for public. 

Commemorative postage stamps have previously been issued in honour of former heads of state, historical events, historic sites, and famous people. Similarly, stamps have been released in support of causes, such as to raise awareness of rare medical conditions and environmental issues.

Dr Aasim said twenty-five years ago, the foundation of a dream was laid down in the form of the first cancer hospital of Pakistan - Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre. 

“Today, it has developed into a country-wide network of Shaukat Khanum Healthcare System which has emerged as a symbol of hope for thousands of patients and individuals who have benefited from its state-of-the-art diagnostic, treatment, training, and research facilities.”

Talking about the future plans of the Hospital, Dr Aasim said the construction of Pakistan’s third and largest cancer hospital will start in coming week. 

In next 25 years, the Hospital will continue to expand its services to even more parts of the country; a state-of-the-art cancer hospital will be constructed in Bahawalpur whereas more diagnostic and treatment facilities will be built around main Hospitals. 

The design features an image of SKMCH&RC, Lahore building and a message, “25 Years of Hope”. 

Issued by the Pakistan Post, this commemorative postage stamp will be available for sale from 7th August 2020 for Rs. 20 at all major Post Offices in the country.