The History of SKMCH
Imran Khan: "When a nation decides to help its poor, God finds ways for it to succeed. The real thing is to have honest intentions. It is my belief that God willing, one day you will see that we will be successful in eradicating poverty."
30 years ago in Pakistan, Imran Khan and thousands of early donors defied the experts and established a cancer hospital for the poor. Today, thanks to their pioneering efforts, Shaukat Khanum Hospitals offer hope to millions, providing free treatment to patients with limited means and advancing cancer research in the country.
This Ramadan, discover the inspiring story that transformed personal tragedy into a worldwide campaign of hope, healing, and unity.
1985: Inspiration After Loss
Shaukat Khanum, Imran Khan's mother, passes away from colon cancer at the age of 63. Her death is hard for Imran to bear, as he knows the disease is treatable. At the same time, Imran comes face to face with many patients who cannot afford their medication, which troubles him deeply.
This experience moves him to build Pakistan’s first cancer hospital, a place offering the best therapies to everyone, regardless of their background.
As captain of Pakistan’s National Cricket Team, Imran has little experience in philanthropy, but he shares his mother’s faith in the Islamic concept of charity.
1988: Rallying Global Support
Experts warn that offering free cancer treatment in a country without a national health service is impossible. Imran refuses to give up and reaches out to influential friends and celebrities around the world. Several high-profile actors, singers, athletes, and public figures step forward to lend their support and spread the word.
1990: Laying the Foundation
Encouraged by his friends, Imran asks Dr. Nausherwan Khan Burki, a Professor of Medicine at the University of Kentucky, USA, to develop a master plan for the hospital to be based in Lahore. Dr. Nausherwan later becomes the hospital’s first CEO.
Judd & Rapp, health planning experts based in Louisville, USA, are tasked with designing the building.
Nayyar Ali Dada & Associates and Progressive Consultants in Lahore are appointed to handle all the onsite engineering work.
1991: Building Momentum
The foundation is laid, and hundreds of jobs are created, providing an immediate boost to the local economy. The project quickly gains attention from prominent figures, including Princess Diana of Wales, who visits Pakistan to lend her support. She returns twice more to shine a light on the hospital.
1992: World Cup Triumph
Imran Khan leads his team to victory in the Cricket World Cup final. He donates his entire prize money (£90,000) to the hospital’s construction fund. As one of the hospital's biggest financial supporters, he continues to donate 15-20% of his subsequent earnings each year.
1992: Amplifying Fundraising Efforts
Imran is now the talk of the sports world. He uses his celebrity status to host star-studded fundraising events, concerts, and charity cricket matches in Pakistan and London. Renowned actors and musicians, including Amitabh Bachchan, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Dilip Kumar, Moin Akhtar, Sunil Dutt, and Madam Noor Jahan, attend his appeals.
1994: Nationwide Campaign for Completion
With six weeks to go before the official launch, Imran is still short on funds to complete the hospital construction. He launches an ambitious fundraising campaign, traveling to 30 cities across Pakistan atop a pickup truck. He is met with great enthusiasm by people eager to give money, gold, and even property deeds to help him finish the build. Imran raises £3.5 million in record time to bridge the funding gap.
1994: Inauguration of Shaukat Khanum Lahore
On December 29th, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre opens its doors in Lahore. Sumera Yusuf, the hospital’s first patient, cuts the ceremonial ribbon. After her recovery, she works in the gift shop.
This year, as Shaukat Khanum Hospitals celebrate 30 years of service, our founder is unable to make an appeal to mark this significant milestone. In his absence, we hope you will continue to support our patients and move us a step closer to opening a new hospital in Karachi.
BUILD KARACHI HOSPITAL BECOME A FOUNDING MEMBER