Alvi calls for allowing SKMCH fundraiser

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi took an exception to the cancellation of fundraising NOC for Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital.

He called for the reversal of the decision, saying the critical importance of allowing the hospital to continue raising funds.

President Alvi took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to post his concerns, saying that suspending permission to raise funds could lead to delays in the construction of the SKMCH hospital in Karachi, potentially resulting in the deaths of thousands of untreated individuals.

He likened the decision to “cutting off one’s nose to spite the face.”

President Alvi highlighted the significant deficiency in curative health care in Pakistan and stressed the need to encourage private philanthropy, particularly commending the outstanding efforts of SKMH.

The president underscored the global recognition of Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital as a state-of-the-art facility providing cutting-edge treatments for poor cancer patients. He noted the hospital’s consistent dedication to delivering top-of-the-line care since its inception.

Alvi, drawing from personal experiences, mentioned his lifelong involvement in preventing and treating oral cancer, while Mrs. Samina Alvi has been actively spreading awareness about early diagnosis of breast cancer to save lives.

He concluded by emphasizing the substantial cancer burden in Pakistan and the critical role that institutions like Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital play in addressing this healthcare challenge.