Witness to hope: 30-year journey of Shaukat Khanum Hospital

The path from a bold vision to a reality is rarely smooth, and Shaukat Khanum Hospital stands as a remarkable example of what dedication, resilience, and public trust can accomplish. I joined this institution nearly three decades ago, and it has been a privilege to witness its transformation into Pakistan’s first comprehensive cancer hospital. Over these 30 years, the hospital has flourished under a management team that has remained steadfast in its mission: to provide free, world-class treatment to the majority of its patients, ensuring that care is delivered with justice and equality in a resource-limited setting.

The success of Shaukat Khanum is the result of a leadership team that has consistently prioritised principles over convenience. From the outset, the hospital established strict patient acceptance guidelines, refusing to bend under pressure from influential figures seeking special treatment. This commitment is perhaps best illustrated by its room-sharing policy: whether a patient pays for care or receives financial support, they share a room with another-no exceptions. This approach has been a cornerstone of the hospital’s identity, ensuring that every individual, regardless of status, receives the same dignity and attention. It’s a policy that the current management continues to uphold with unwavering resolve, even in the face of external challenges.

Today, Shaukat Khanum’s achievements are both inspiring and tangible. With a budget of Rs38 billion allocated for 2025, the hospital is poised to further its mission of serving Pakistan’s underprivileged cancer patients. Remarkably, despite persistent propaganda aimed at tarnishing its reputation, the hospital raises more funds each year than the previous one. This steady increase in donations is a powerful testament to the trust people place in Shaukat Khanum. Donors, both within Pakistan and across the globe, recognize that the hospital remains true to its founding promise-to prioritise patient care above all else. This trust has fuelled its growth, from the original hospital in Lahore to a second facility in Peshawar, opened in 2015, and now a third under construction in Karachi. The public’s faith, combined with the management’s dedication, ensures that Shaukat Khanum continues to be a lifeline for thousands.

The hospital’s leadership has been the backbone of this enduring success. Dr Faisal Sultan, who joined in 1995 and later rose to CEO, exemplifies the humility and hands-on approach that defines the organisation. I recall a moment from years ago when a journalist friend, the late Munnu Bhai, spotted Dr Sultan picking up litter on the hospital grounds while dressed in a suit. Astonished, Munnu Bhai asked, “Who is this man?” I replied, “That’s our CEO.” His response stuck with me: “If an organisation has such leaders, it is bound to succeed.” Dr Sultan’s quiet dedication has provided stability and set a tone of service that permeates the institution. Similarly, Dr Aasim Yusuf, the hospital’s longest-serving physician and current Chief Medical Officer, has been a pillar of strength. After a bomb blast rocked the hospital in 1996, it was Dr Yusuf who insisted on reopening the very next day, embodying a belief that excellence in patient care must never falter. His discipline and vision have kept Shaukat Khanum on a path of growth and reliability.

Over the years, the hospital has navigated countless challenges-financial strains, external pressures, and even physical attacks-yet its focus on the mission has never wavered. This steadfastness has built a legacy that continues to inspire.

Shaukat Khanum’s credibility is further reinforced by its transparency and adherence to international standards. The hospital willingly subjects itself to rigorous external audits from organisations such as A.F. Ferguson for finance, the Joint Commission International for healthcare, the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative for cancer care, and the College of American Pathologists for its pathology labs. These certifications are not just badges of honour-they are proof of a management team that values accountability and strives for excellence in every facet of its operations.

What began as a single hospital has grown into a national institution, thanks to the collective faith of Pakistanis across political and geographical divides. Dignitaries and international celebrities have visited over the years, each leaving as a witness to the extraordinary work being done. For Pakistanis worldwide, Shaukat Khanum is a source of pride-a success story that showcases the country’s potential to rise above limitations. The hospital’s ability to maintain public trust, even amidst smear campaigns, is a powerful driver of its progress. Every visitor, every donor, and every patient becomes part of this narrative of hope.

The journey of Shaukat Khanum is far from over, and with the continued support of the people, it will keep proving that compassion, coupled with capable leadership, can transform lives. In a world where trust is hard-won, Shaukat Khanum stands as a beacon of hope, showing that excellence is not just possible in Pakistan-it is thriving.The author is the Senior Manager Media at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Lahore