President Alvi Urges Govt Approval for Shaukat Khanum Hospital’s Fundraising Event
A day after the withdrawal of the No-Objection Certificate (NOC) granted to the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust for organizing a fundraising event, President Dr. Arif Alvi has called for the reversal of this decision, expressing concerns over its potential impact on the charitable hospital’s construction.
The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration withdrew the NOC without providing any explanation for canceling the permission for the organization’s fundraiser at a local hotel in Islamabad scheduled for Friday.
The confirmation of this development came from a senior official of Shaukat Khanum Hospital, revealing that the Additional District Magistrate of ICT retracted the NOC issued to their trust.
Using the platform formerly known as Twitter, Dr. Alvi conveyed his apprehension about the decision made by the Islamabad administration. He pointed out that halting permission for fundraising activities could lead to delays in constructing the hospital in the country’s largest port city, putting numerous cancer patients at risk.
Dr. Alvi analogized the decision to “cutting off one’s nose to spite the face.”
President Alvi emphasized the significant gap in curative healthcare in Pakistan and emphasized the importance of promoting private philanthropy. He commended the exceptional efforts of SKMH (Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital).
Highlighting the global recognition of Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital as a cutting-edge facility providing advanced treatments for underprivileged cancer patients, President Alvi acknowledged the hospital’s consistent dedication to delivering top-notch care since its inception.
Referring to personal experiences, he mentioned his lifelong commitment to preventing and treating oral cancer. Meanwhile, Samina Alvi has actively advocated for early diagnosis of breast cancer to save lives.
President Alvi concluded by emphasizing the substantial cancer burden in Pakistan and the crucial role that institutions like Shaukat Khanum Hospital play in addressing this healthcare challenge.
“Pakistan is seriously lacking in curative healthcare. All private philanthropy, especially the outstanding efforts of SKMH, must be encouraged,” he added, further stressing the need for the cancellation to be reversed.
