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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
When was the Society formed and what are its objectives?
It was formed in 2001, for collecting and distributing zakat to mustehqeen as per shariah to those patients who come to Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) to get quality health care services but are unable to bear the full cost of treatment.
Who are the founders of this Society?
The Permanent members are the friends of AKUH who got together to help the poor patients coming AKUH for medical treatment. The Executive Committee manages the affairs of the society, from collection of funds till final utilization; each step is scrutinized and administered strictly, as per shariah. The permanent and executive committee members are responsible citizens enjoying position of repute in the country.
Is the PBS registered entity?
PBS is registered with the Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies, Government of Sindh and is an independent of AKUH with its own Articles of Association and constitution. The society files annual accounts with the Directorate of Income Tax annually. The accounts are audited annually by a reputable firm of chartered accountants.
Who is entitled to support from the Society?
A Muslim – mustahiq as per the definition of shariah, admitted and occupying a general ward bed at AKUH is entitled for assistance from PBS funds. In-addition outpatients are referred to the Community Health Centre, which offers quality services at subsidized charges. If the patient is still unable to pay the full cost, he is provided zakat assistance for procedures, MRI, CT scan and investigative tests.
How does one get assistance from the Society?
The procedure is quite simple. The patient/attendant will have to contact the welfare officers who will assess the case, and if the patient qualifies the assistance criteria, he/she will be recommended for assistance by the Society's designated officer(s), and the patient's treatment will commence immediately.
What are the treatments covered by the Society?
The Society's assistance mainly covers critical life threatening cases, for which other facilities in the city/country are limited or non-satisfactory. However, assistance is also provided for other treatments, test and examinations required if unable to be borne by the patient. The treatments covered and assisted by the Society are related to Surgery, Medicine, Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology and high risk Maternity cases.
Limitations:
Cosmetic surgery, infertility treatment, dental surgery, pharmacy bill, normal delivery cases, blood transfusion and bone marrow transplant are not covered.
How does one contact the Society?
The patient/ attendant may approach the Patient Welfare Department at the Hospital, which is located in the main administration offices opposite the Executive Offices, or at the time of admission enquire from the staff on duty regarding welfare assistance. You may also write or call the registered office of the Society.
What is the performance of the society and who have been its beneficiaries?
The Society has received contributions of over Rs 40 million in three years out of which Rs 34 million has been utilised so far for treatment of over 1000 patients. The patients have come to AKUH from all over Pakistan . A major portion of the funds have been utilised on complicated procedures (surgery).
Does the Society assist patients other than AKUH?
The objective of the Society is to assist patients of AKUH. The number of patients keeps growing every year and the need for funds continuously increases. This limits the Society from assisting other patients.
What is the percentage of patients of AKUH getting assistance from the Society?
Over 40 per cent of the general ward patients are assisted financially by the Society, this number continues to grow and so does the challenge for the society to generate more funds.
Who are the donors to the society?
Individuals, corporate and private companies, patients and their families, Faculty, Staff and students of AKU constitute the donor base for the Society. We are thankful to all our donors for their encouragement and look forward to their continued support.
Why should someone give to The Patients' Behbud Society for AKUH versus any other hospital where many more patients could be treated with the same amount of money?
The treatment that the patient will receive at Aga Khan University Hospital is most comprehensive and the best available in Pakistan and therefore The Patients' Behbud Society for AKUH is giving a mustehiq a better chance by enabling them to avail medical treatment at AKUH.
How to make donation(s) to the society?
- The society has its office at AKUH, and people can write to us.
- Use the zakat boxes placed at each off-campus collection units.
- Direct deposit in our HBL account # 9361-01.
- Cheque in favour of “ The Patients' Behbud Society for AKUH”.
- Direct deposit in Soneri Bank A/c No. 6058-01.
- Charge your Citibank credit card.
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