Karachi, The caretaker Chief Minister of Sindh, Justice (retired) Maqbool Baqar, expressed optimism about the positive impact of the upcoming University Medical Complex (UMC) in Karachithe UMC, a charitable tertiary care hospital under construction in the Gulistan-e-Jauhar area, is anticipated to significantly meet the increasing healthcare demands of Karachi’s population.

According to Chief Minister Sindh, Justice Baqar highlighted the UMC’s potential in alleviating the patient load on existing public hospitals in Karachi. The event was organized to gather support for the speedy construction of the UMC. The facility is a collaborative effort by Medics International (MI), Baqir Health and Educational Welfare Trust, and Zaidi Abid Foundation, USA.

Justice Baqar appreciated the healthcare professionals, philanthropists, and charity leaders involved in the conception of this project. He emphasized the UMC’s role in serving underprivileged patients from rural Sindh and adjacent Balochistan areas, stating that it symbolizes hope and compassion. The UMC is expected to become a center of excellence in medical education through partnerships with leading medical universities worldwide.

MI Pakistan CEO, Dr. Dilbar Saeed, spoke about the mission to operationalize the hospital within the next five to seven years, generating employment for over 1,000 healthcare professionals. He assured that the UMC would not deny essential treatment based on financial constraints. The UMC will include specialized sections for cancer and women’s health and aims to elevate the academic qualifications of healthcare professionals to international standards.

Dr. Husain Mehdi from the Zaidi Abid Foundation reinforced the UMC’s commitment to serving patients without discrimination. The construction phase is set to begin in January 2024. Prof. Dr. SM Tariq Rafi, Chairman of the Sindh Higher Education Commission, and renowned TV artist Khalid Anum, who hosted the fundraiser, urged support for the project. Notable donations included an ambulance from Khalid Anum’s family and a Rs five million contribution from philanthropist Nadra Panjwani.

Justice Baqir assured that the Caretaker Sindh government would provide necessary support, including land and grants, for the UMC’s construction.