Al-Shifa Trust Launches High-Tech Mobile Operation Theatre to Combat Blindness in Rural Pakistan
In a landmark initiative to tackle avoidable blindness across underserved regions, Al-Shifa Trust (AST) has unveiled a fully equipped mobile operation theatre, generously donated by Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL). The state-of-the-art unit was officially handed over during a ceremony at THQ Hospital Fateh Jang.
“A Beacon of Hope” for Rural Communities
Describing the mobile OT as a “beacon of hope,” Major General (Retd.) Rehmat Khan, President of Al-Shifa Trust, emphasized its potential to transform the lives of people in remote areas who lack access to advanced medical care.
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Comprising three self-sufficient medical trucks, the mobile unit is built to international standards and is capable of performing up to 100 eye surgeries per day, including cataract procedures. This allows AST to bring life-changing treatment directly to patients’ doorsteps, eliminating the need for travel to urban hospitals.
Expanding Eye Care Across Pakistan
Rehmat Khan shared the Trust’s outreach achievements, revealing that:
- 360,000 schoolchildren were screened for vision issues during the 2024–25 fiscal year.
- Over 700 eye camps have been held so far — a 30% increase compared to the previous year.
He reaffirmed the Trust’s dedication to eradicating preventable blindness and expanding access to eye care.
Clean, Efficient, and Mobile
Dr. Muhammad Najam Ul Hasnat, General Manager of the outreach program, highlighted that the mobile OT is a sterile, self-contained facility designed to reach even the most remote locations. Equipped for full-scale surgeries, the unit significantly boosts AST’s ability to serve Pakistan’s rural population.
OGDCL’s Continued Support
OGDCL Managing Director Mr. Ahmed Hayat Lak, the ceremony’s chief guest, praised the enduring partnership with Al-Shifa Trust. Since 2017, OGDCL has:
- Sponsored 160 surgical camps
- Enabled 28,000 surgeries
- Treated over 260,000 patients
- Screened 75,000 schoolchildren
Lak noted the new mobile unit would not only improve surgical access but also enhance time management and operational efficiency in eye care services. He expressed OGDCL’s pride in supporting AST and its commitment to future collaboration.
A New Chapter in Rural Eye Care
With the successful completion of the first surgeries in the mobile OT, AST has set a new benchmark in providing advanced medical services to remote populations. This initiative is expected to reshape the future of eye care delivery in Pakistan and significantly reduce the burden of avoidable blindness.
