FAQs

Frequently asked questions about IKCA and the work we do:

How do you ensure that Zakat is used properly?

We don’t deduct anything from zakat donations for operating or admin costs. Zakat funds go directly to helping patients. Furthermore, we have a sophisticated system in place which ensures that the recipients of zakat are eligible for it by Islamic standards. For more info on zakat and who it’s spent on, please see our ‘Zakat Donations’ section.

Why should I give my money to IKCA?

IKCA runs the only cancer hospital in Pakistan which provides free cancer care to patients who can’t afford treatment. Last year, we treated 10,650 new cancer patients. This is just a fraction of the annual cancer demographic in Pakistan. For many cancer patients and their families who come to our hospital, SKMCH is a final hope. It’s your donations that decide how many patients we are able to treat every year. The more you donate, the more people we can help.

Can I take part in any challenges you organise?

IKCA organizes exciting fundraising challenges annually and anyone can take part providing you feel you are physically fit enough. For info on upcoming challenges please see our Get Involved’ section.

How much do you spend on admin costs?

IKCA doesn’t deduct a penny from your donation towards admin costs incurred at our UK office. The wages of our UK staff are covered by Gift Aid, which we claim back from the government on behalf of UK taxpayers that have made a donation. Your donation in its entirety goes towards the treatment of cancer patients at SKMCH.

SKMCH’s annual operating costs are 14% of its annual income. This also includes admin, and goes towards the salaries of our hospital staff. We don’t deduct anything from zakat donations for admin costs. Zakat funds go directly to helping patients. Furthermore, we try to limit the amount deducted from other donations whenever we can. You can help us do this by allowing us to reclaim Gift Aid on your behalf if you are a UK taxpayer.

What is Gift Aid?

Providing you are a UK tax payer, IKCA can reclaim the basic rate of tax on your donation. This is called Gift Aid. With Gift Aid, your donation can increase by 25p for every £1 you give, at no extra cost to you. Please note that annually you must pay an amount of UK Income tax and/or Capital Gains Tax that is at least equal to the tax that we will reclaim on your donations for that tax year.

How do you spend my donation and how do I know my money is being used wisely?

We guarantee that 70% of your donation goes directly into medical care for cancer patients. The rest helps us pay for things like operating costs, hospital maintenance costs, and fundraising. For more detailed information on how we spend your donations, please see our ‘Where your money goes’ section.

What impact is my donation making?

Your donation is saving lives and restoring the hope of recovery to patients who have the odds stacked against them. With your help, we can continue supporting people and their families in the fight against cancer. For a better idea on what a difference your donation can make, please see the ‘Our Stories’ section.

Do you accept Zakat payments?

We do accept zakat payments and are careful about how we utilize them. Last year we were able to provide free cancer treatment to 75% of our patients through zakat funds. For more info on zakat and how to calculate your annual contribution, please see our ‘Zakat Donations’ section.

Can I sponsor a project?

Yes, you can. Currently we have a number of appeals for IKCA projects you can sponsor. These range from special cancer diet meals for patients to expansion projects which will allow us to treat more patients. For more information on projects you can sponsor, please see our ‘Urgent Appeals’ section.

What different payment options do you have?

There are lots of ways you can donate to us. We accept payments through a number of currencies, PayPal, BACs, Cheque, Direct Debit (for monthly donations) and more. Please see our ‘Donate section’ for payment options and more details.

How much does it cost to treat one cancer patient?

The cost of cancer treatment will vary from one patient to another. It will depend on the type of cancer a patient has and the type of treatment required. Approximately, the cost of treatment can range from £3,500 (for Germ Cell Tumours) to £13,000 (for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia). For more info on the costs of treating a cancer patient, please see our ‘Sponsor a Patient’ appeal.

How can I sponsor a patient?

Sponsoring a patient is easy. Just click ‘Sponsor a Patient’ and select the relevant options.

Do I get a receipt for my donation?

Yes, you do. We can send this to you by email or post, providing you request one and provide your postal/email address.

How can I find out more about your work?

To find out more about us and what we do, please see our ‘About IKCA’ section. To get a better idea of our work and how it effects people, please check out ‘Our Stories.’ There, you’ll find out more about our volunteers, our team, and our patients. If you can’t find the answers you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to email us your questions.

How can I promote IKCA within my community?

You can help promote our work by volunteering with us. IKCA is always on the lookout for passionate volunteers. Join our team to help us raise awareness of cancer patients in Pakistan and raise the funds that can save their lives. For more info, please see our ‘Get Involved’ section for ways to help, and don’t hesitate to get in touch!

How can I become a volunteer?

We’re always on the lookout for passionate volunteers who can help us raise funds and awareness of cancer in Pakistan. If you’d like to volunteer or are looking for a worthy fundraising cause, please see our ‘Get Involved’ section for ways to help and don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Who is eligible to apply for an elective at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital?

SKMCH offers electives to 5th year National and 4th year International medical students. Electives are a maximum of 8 weeks long (per year) and we do not allow extensions. Please email our elective coordinator office at [email protected] if you have any further questions.

Does SKMCH provide accommodation for elective students from out of town/overseas?

We provide accommodation to students, subject to availability. Please be sure to indicate on the application form if you require accommodation. We will then let you know if there are any rooms available. We do not offer hospital transport for students staying within the hospital premises. Public transport can be used for this purpose. Taxis are a safe mode of travel.

I am a doctor and want to do an observership at SKMCH. What should I do?

We offer observerships to doctors as part of our electives program. Please email our elective coordinator office at [email protected] if you have any further questions.