AST plans to establish South Asia’s largest eye hospital

Rawalpindi:In a monumental initiative that is set to revolutionize eye care in the region, the Al-Shifa Trust (AST) announced on Monday its plan to establish South Asia’s largest eye hospital in Lahore.

This hospital, which will be a beacon of hope for those suffering from preventable blindness and visual impairment, is a testament to the trust’s commitment to serving humanity. The ambitious project, driven by the trust’s committed management and supported by generous donors, aims to provide world-class eye care services to millions, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds.

We have recognized the urgent need for a comprehensive, state-of-the-art eye hospital in a region where access to specialized eye care remains a significant challenge for the disadvantaged, said President AST, Major General (r) Rehmat Khan.

Speaking to the media about the project, Rehmat Khan highlighted the crucial role of the Government of Punjab, which has generously provided 64 kanal prime land on the Ring Road near Ada Plot, Raiwind for the hospital. This significant contribution underscores the collective effort and support behind this humanitarian cause.

He said the Chief Minister took a personal interest in allotting and transferring valuable land for the humanitarian cause. The ground will be broken in June 2025, and the project will be completed within three years.

President AST said that the hospital will be able to serve 2000 OPD patients per day, and along with all other services, at least 500 corneal transplants will be held annually. He informed the media that advanced Retina, Glaucoma, Cataract, Oculoplasty, Paediatric, and Cornea departments will be established, and a top-notch eye cancer centre will also be part of this hospital.

He added that it will be a 150-bed facility with 20 operating rooms having the latest equipment and technologies. This hospital will serve almost 20 million people in Lahore and adjacent areas, and its services will be totally free of cost. The hospital will also extend its reach to remote and underserved communities through outreach programs using mobile eye clinics and skilled professionals to provide screening, diagnosis, and essential treatment.

We will also prioritize public awareness campaigns and educational programs that would promote eye health, educate communities about common eye diseases, and encourage regular eye check-ups. Major General (r) Rehmat Khan said we want to empower millions of individuals facing preventable blindness to lead productive and fulfilling lives and contribute to socio-economic development.

On the occasion, the Project Director AST Brigadier (Retired) Arshad Mehmood said that preparatory work on the land has been started, the boundary is near its completion, and the construction of the hospital will be completed by September 2027. We are currently seeking international experts to design an extensive complex that prioritizes the welfare of the patients, he said.

According to AST, the trust’s visionary leadership is changing the eye care landscape in Pakistan and ensuring that no one is denied the gift of sight due to financial constraints while local and international agencies and experts also acknowledge the trust’s efforts.