KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, along with Pakistani-American doctors, performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Hassan Suleman Memorial Hospital (HSMH) in Ibrahim Hyderi, district Malir, marking a step towards providing much-needed healthcare to underserved communities.

The 312-bed hospital is expected to be completed within two years, with patient care scheduled to commence in 2026. The hospital will provide a range of services, including emergency care, cardiac surgeries, and specialised treatments in cardiology, paediatrics, women’s health, and trauma care, all free of charge.

During the event, the chief minister highlighted the HSMH project as a collaborative effort between Pakistani-American doctors and the Sindh government, emphasising its role as a powerful testament to philanthropy and international cooperation, said a press statement issued by the CM House on Wednesday.

Health facility to offer free-of-cost services after completion in two years

Speaking at the ceremony, CM Shah described the hospital as a ‘beacon of hope’ and pledged a matching grant for all donations received.

He reiterated his government’s commitment to supporting the hospital through infrastructure, policy and operational assistance. The CM praised the dedication of the Pakistani diaspora in the United States, calling their contributions ‘truly inspiring’.

Dr Javed Suleman, the chairman of the Hassan Suleman Foundation, expressed profound gratitude to the federal government, specifically acknowledging President Asif Ali Zardari’s vision and the Sindh government’s support through land allocation and financial backing.

He emphasised the hospital’s mission to provide free, high-quality medical services, stating it represents not just healthcare but “a heart for the people”.

HSMH president Dr Iqbal Zafar highlighted the strong international collaboration that made the project possible, emphasising the unity of purpose connecting Pakistani Americans with their homeland.

He described the hospital as a lifeline for the Malir community.

Published in Dawn, December 26th, 2024