Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC) ( Urdu: شوکت خانم یادگاری سرطان شفاخانہ اور مرکز تحقیق) is a research-oriented cancer specialized hospital located in Lahore and Peshawar in Pakistan founded by Imran Khan. It is Pakistan's largest cancer hospital and its largest radiation oncology centre.[1] It is doing a feasibility study for a third hospital, located in Karachi.[2]
The hospital claims that 75 percent of its patients are being treated free of cost. In 2013, the hospital admitted 9,211 new cancer patients while the hospital recorded nearly 175,000 visits of cancer patients in the outpatient department. About 33,783 patients received chemotherapy and 53,451 got radiation treatment in 2013.[3]
It is a project of the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust, which is a charitable organization established under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860 of Pakistan. It is named after the mother of Imran Khan, who died after battling with cancer.[4] Inaugurated on 29 December 1994, SKMCH&RC's 195-bed Lahore hospital spends Rs 19.0 billion annually as financial support for patients and employees 2,121 staff members.[5]
Its second hospital is under construction in Peshawar, spread over 6 acres; the hospital is expected to be operational by the end of 2015; The hospital to be completed at the cost of Rs 3 billion would have 1700 doctors, technicians and other staff to be recruitment from the locals. These people would be imparted special training to enable them to facilitate in the treatment and research on the complicated disease like cancer.
Designing and execution of the master plan was overseen by Dr. Nausherwan K. Burki, MB, PhD, FRCP, FCPS, FCCP, of the University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, Kentucky, USA in collaboration with an international team of cancer physicians and research workers. Designing and architectural services were provided by Arrasmith, Judd & Rapp, Architects in Health Planning of Louisville, Kentucky, USA. Architectural details were handled by Messrs. Nayyar Ali Dada & Associates of Lahore. Local engineering was performed by Messrs. Progressive Consultants, Lahore. Ground was broken in April 1991 and the hospital opened its doors on 29 December 1994.[8]
Since opening, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital and Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust have both accumulated local and international recognition. In 1992, Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan came together for the Shaukat Khanum Appeal Concert.[9][10]
In the 1990s, Princess Diana visited the Pakistani hospital.[11]
Celebrity support for Shaukat Khanum has continued throughout the years. Notable Pakistani Actor, Fawad Khan, dedicated his debut Bollywood film titled "Khoobsurat" to the foundation.[12] Fawad is currently one of the most prominent celebrities who is diligently supporting Shaukat Khanum.[13][14]
Shaukat Khanum launched their latest edition for Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) in 2015 with the help of singer, Hadiqa Kiani, and film actress, Mahira Khan.
The Hospital is a project of the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust, a non-profit legal entity established under the laws of Pakistan. The Board of Governors formulates overall policy and consists of bankers, researchers, businessmen and physicians. The Hospital is managed by a professional team from clinical, administrative and nursing backgrounds. Former Pakistani cricket Captain Imran Khan is the chairman of the Board of Governors.
Over the past two decades, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre has established itself as a centre of excellence providing comprehensive care free of cost to thousands of indigent cancer patients. This pioneering, state-of-the-art hospital located in Lahore, Pakistan was founded by Imran Khan, one of Pakistan's most illustrious cricketers. As a charitable institute, it is funded predominantly from the donations of friends and well-wishers from around the country and across the world.
The inspiration to build the Hospital came from the misfortune and suffering of one individual, Shaukat Khanum, the mother of legendary captain of Pakistan's World Cup–winning cricket team, Imran Khan.
His mother's death and the personal experience of dealing with cancer in a loved one convinced him of the need for a state of the art cancer center with access to everyone, including those who could not otherwise afford the expensive care. The result was the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, in Lahore, the first and only cancer hospital of international standards in Pakistan, dedicated to providing first-class treatment of cancer to all its patients, irrespective of their ability to pay.
Since opening in 1994, the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, has come to be recognized as one of the most credible and resilient charities in Pakistan. The institution has spent over Rs. 19.391 billion (US$ 243 Million) in supporting the treatment of thousands of indigent cancer patients and currently, 75% of all cancer patients seen at the Hospital are receiving financial support. This has only been possible due to generous donors and well-wishers who have supported the cause over the years. Let us trace back the footsteps of history in an attempt to cover the times, events and people who have brought this Hospital to where it stands today.
