LAHORE: US Consul General Kristin Hawkins visited the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Center (PKLI&RC) for the inauguration of state-of-the-art treatments with the help of Boston Scientific, USA’s most advanced devices, including minimal invasive obesity management through endoscopy (without surgery) through the Boston Scientific Overstitch Suturing Device, liver cancer treatment through the Therasphere device, and benign prostate hyperplasia (steam therapy) through the REZUM device.
The event commenced with a formal welcome by Prof Faisal Saud Dar, dean of PKLI&RC, and Dr Usman Aujla, director of strategic planning & chairman of gastroenterology, along with the PKLI executive management.
Dr Aujla highlighted PKLI’s milestones in kidney and liver transplantation and its ongoing dedication to improving healthcare outcomes in Pakistan. He expressed gratitude to the PKLI faculty, ProfSaeed Akhtar, chairman of BoG, the government of Pakistan, and Prof Dar for their continued support.
He announced that PKLI is ranked among the world’s top 10 hospitals for liver and kidney transplants and was recently honoured with the prestigious Healthcare Asia Award 2025 for excellence in specialised care.
“By combining our clinical strengths with the technological innovation of partners like Boston Scientific, we aim to set new benchmarks in patient care,” he said.
Prof Dar also reiterated the importance of academic and clinical collaborations in advancing the national healthcare and extended appreciation to the US consul general on behalf of the entire institution.
Ms Hawkins appreciated the initiative and expressed her delight in celebrating this impactful collaboration. She emphasised that such partnerships pave the way for meaningful improvements in patient care, enhance community health, and contribute to strengthening US-Pakistan relations.
She discussed potential collaboration opportunities in medical research, exchange programs, and creating linkages between US companies offering advanced medical technologies.
During her visit, she interacted with pediatric transplant patients and attended a gift distribution. She praised PKLI&RC for its steadfast commitment to delivering high-quality, specialised care and acknowledged the hospital’s vital role in improving community health outcomes.
Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2025
