His Excellency Mohammedmian Soomro, Governor of Sindh, addressing the gathering.

The inauguration of the donor supported Nazerali-Walji Building for ambulatory care services and the dedication ceremony of the Karimi, Noor and Arman Rupani Residences, a complex of three buildings for women's residences, took place on 1 November 2002. Gracing the occasion were His Excellency, Governor of Sindh at that time, Mohammedmian Soomro, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, AKU, Ambassador Saidullah Khan Dehlavi, AKU President, Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, donors and distinguished guests.

Inauguration of the Nazerali-Walji Building

In his address, Governor Somroo described the facilities as being most impressive, not only in terms of donations provided, but also because they demonstrated the confidence this University evoked amongst the donors, nationally and internationally. He paid special tribute to the philanthropy of the donors, and said, "Indeed your gift will benefit many needy and deserving patients.."

The inauguration of the Nazerali-Walji Building is an important step taken by the University towards meeting the growing demand for quality health care services in Pakistan. The three-storied ambulatory care building with a built-up area of 24,000 square feet, and a project cost of Rs. 288 million (US$ 4.8 million), offers outpatients with easily accessible and comprehensive multipurpose facilities. Clinics, diagnostics and pharmacy services are all under one roof. The Nazerali-Walji Building was made possible through the generous donation of the Nazerali-Walji family of Canada.

Initial operational services include cardiology, cardiac surgery, endocrinology, pulmonology and Executive Clinics. The design of the Nazerali-Walji Building also provides for generic rooms, which can be used for other services as future needs dictate. The first and second floors of the building include 31 examination rooms, nursing stations and auxiliary facilities such as procedure and assessment rooms, teaching areas and support spaces. Located on the ground floor, there is an outpatient cardio-pulmonary diagnostic service, nuclear imaging, a phlebotomy station, a radiology room, a pharmacy outlet and patient business and welfare offices. The building's design blends with the surrounding landscape, complementing the contextual architectural parameters of the University campus. 

Dedication Ceremony of the Karimi Residences, the Noor Residences and the Arman Rupani Residences

Also located within the secure environs of the University are the Karimi Residences, the Noor Residences and the Arman Rupani Residences. They will provide attractive and comfortable accommodation for out-of-station professional women, who will be able to carry out their duties without fear or worries pertaining to travel or accommodation.

The total cost of the project to be completed in November 2003 is Rs. 390 million (US$ 6.5 million). Their built-up area is 64,500 square feet spread over 8.6 acres of land. The combined facilities comprise 152 rooms, with 12 studio apartments, 96 single and 44 en-suite rooms. Additionally, there will be a visitor's lounge, common rooms, a dining room and a retail outlet. These amenities have been constructed with generous donations from the Mansoorali J. Karimi family, the Mewawalla family and the Amir Ali Rupani family. The Governor paid tribute to the donors, saying "I admire you that while you reside abroad, you have not forgotten your roots".

These new additions to AKU campus are a testament to its continued rapid growth, as it seeks to offer a professionally rewarding work environment and broaden its range of outpatient services.  The construction on AKU campus is taking place largely through the generous support of donors, which demonstrates a confidence in this young University that will turn twenty next year.

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