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A musical programme
was organised to raise funds for Aga Khan University Hospital's
(AKUH) Patient Welfare Programme. As is the Hospital practice, patients
in need are not denied care for their inability to pay. In 2002,
Rs. 156 million were disbursed to needy patients. To date, Rs. 0.91
billion have been spent on financial assistance to patients. In
addition to the Patient Welfare Programme, the Hospital provides
support to patients classified as mustahqeen (deserving),
through its Patients' Behbud Society. The Patients' Behbud Society
for AKUH was formed in 2001, comprising eminent members of society.
In its first year of operations it disbursed Rs. 10 million to needy
patients.
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| Semi-classical
singer Tina Sani with musicians, at the music show organised
by AKU at its Sports and Rehabilitation Centre. |
Semi-classical
diva Tina Sani and wizard of satire Anwer Maqsood presented a spectacular
combination of ghazals and wits on this evening. "Tonight we have
a large group of people whose contributions will assist the growing
patient welfare needs of the Hospital," said Shamsh Kassim-Lakha,
President of AKU. He said that with increasing numbers of patients
as well as the rising costs of high quality of medical care, supported
by state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, there is an ever-increasing
demand for financial assistance. He thanked the friends of the Hospital
and assured them that their contributions would go a long way towards
assisting the financially challenged patients.
Highlighting
the objectives of the Patient Welfare Programme, Dr. Gaffar Billoo,
Chairman of the Committee and Head of Paediatrics Department, AKUH,
said that out of half a million patients treated every year, 73
per cent were from lower and middle income groups. In addition to
the heavy subsidies, 25 per cent of general ward beds are allocated
for welfare patients, there is still a growing need to respond to
the demands of poor patients. Dr. Billoo said the annual expenditure
incurred by the Hospital on patient welfare was over Rs. 150 million,
but more funds are needed to alleviate the sufferings of the poor
patients.
The Hospital
meets the needs of financially challenged patients and students
through endowments, Hospital surpluses, on campus shops, greeting
cards, and contributions made by satisfied patients, parents of
students, faculty and staff.
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