- LRBT’s journey of hope and healing continues through a wide-ranging network
- Over 55 million patients treated with over 5.3 million major and minor surgeries free of cost this year
Interview with Dr Malik Ahmed Saeed (Lt Col Retd) — Administrative Superintendent, LRBT Korangi Hospital
PAGE: Tell me something about yourself, please:
Dr Malik Ahmed Saeed:
Education: An Iqbalian and Ravian. Alumni of prestigious Government College, Lahore.
MBBS from King Edward Medical College Lahore.
Military Service: Served in the Army Medical Corps for 21 years. After serving at different installations and hospitals in Army including Siachen and 4 years in Northern Areas (managing Military Hospitals), also being seconded to PAF and Pakistan Navy (including Ships, Submarine and Naval Aviation). In 1993, I performed medical duties as part of Haj Medical Mission to KSA. Moreover, in 1994, I was seconded to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as SMO Air Academy Riyadh for three and a half years, Aviation Medicine (Flight Surgeon) being my specialty. Took early retirement in 2004, as Lt Col, after which I continued my services in the field of medicine in the private sector.
Civil Service:
My 13 years work in charity hospitals includes:
- Administrator Karwan-e-Hayat Psychiatric Hospital Keamari in 2004, in which I renovated the building and made it functional as a 100-bedded hospital. Providing services to the mentally compromised patients.
- Medical Superintendent Ziauddin University Hospital Keamari — four years. Running the charity hospital of Ziauddin Chain of Hospitals.
- Administrative Superintendent LRBT Korangi Hospital – Presently serving in LRBT (Layton Rahmatullah Benevolent Trust) for more than seven years. In LRBT’s 37 years of operations, we have saved the sight of over 54 million patients and performed more than 5.2 million surgeries through its 19 hospitals and 60 clinics. 54 millionth patient being Ms Mehwish, who had corneal transplant done. All treatment is totally free for poor patients.
Vision:
LRBT is committed to creating a better Pakistan by preventing the suffering caused by blindness and other ailments. To this end it will provide state-of- art comprehensive free eye-care for the poor across Pakistan, in keeping with its tradition of excellence, efficiency and compassion for all.
Mission:
No man, woman or child should go blind just because they cannot afford the treatment. Working for LRBT, in provision of this service has given me immense satisfaction, as a light of hope for people, needing my support. May Allah SWT accept my little contribution, Ameen.
Others:
- Chief Medical Officer K-Electric for five years till 2016
PAGE: Could you share with us the development work of LRBT and the subsequent benefit to the poor patients?
Dr Malik Ahmed Saeed: 26 million Pakistanis suffer from blindness or impaired vision, of which 3 million are children. These underserved members of our society, live in a world shrouded in darkness, with little hope of achieving their dreams. The reality is that 90% of these cases are curable, however many of these patients are unable to afford, necessary care. As the largest eye care provider in the country, LRBT is a source of support for millions, in need of free of cost eye care. We are extremely proud to have played a major role in transforming the lives of millions across the country. Our 55 millionth patient, was Bakhtawar, a young girl from Gharo who had never been able to attend school due to congenital cataract. Before her surgery, blurred vision prevented her from seeing clearly, let alone reading and writing. Now, she happily attends the village school and has dreams of becoming a teacher. This is just one of countless examples of successful cases treated here at LRBT. It is a joy to have patients visit us, after their treatment and hear about how their lives have improved.
Through a wide-ranging network of 19 purpose-built and fully equipped hospitals and 54 clinics, LRBT provides comprehensive eye care to treat a range of eye-related ailments, from simple refraction to retinal surgery and corneal transplants.
Post Eid-ul-Fitr, we will be opening our 20th Hospital at Rahim Yar Khan in South Punjab, where poverty is widely prevalent. This will offer its free services to underserved deserving patients from 5 Districts: 2 of Upper Sindh: Ghotki & Kashmore. 3 from South Punjab: Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur & Bahawalpur
PAGE: Could you share with us the number of patients being treated at LRBT?
Dr Malik Ahmed Saeed: As of January of this year, LRBT has treated over 55 million patients and provided over 5.3 million major and minor surgeries free of cost. We treat over 10,000 patients in OPD and perform over 1,100 surgeries across our network every day. Over 3 million patients are expected to visit our facilities this year, of which 300,000 will require sight-restoring surgery.
PAGE: Since LRBT counts on charity, how would you comment on philanthropy in Pakistan?
Dr Malik Ahmed Saeed: At present, Pakistan is facing a time of severe economic instability. With millions unable to afford daily necessities, there has been a nationwide increase in dependency. When analyzing philanthropy on a global scale, Pakistan stands out from the list of developing countries due to the sheer volume of charitable activity taking place, across the nation.
One passes by countless examples of charity daily, from free food stalls to fundraising booths. Pakistan is permeated with an inherent desire to provide for the poor, no matter how small the act. In the face of mass anxiety, philanthropy plays a vital role in everyone’s lives. It is a religious obligation, a generous act of service, and a means to encourage our younger generation, to help the underserved.
Now is the Ramazan, which is a time of selflessness and giving to those in need. During this time many Pakistanis seek opportunities to fulfill their religious obligation of donating Zakat to trusted organisations, where they know their contribution will undoubtedly change lives.
In recent years, there has been an increase in donations from diaspora populations outside Pakistan. With all major nonprofit organisations accepting zakat and donations online, the Pakistani diaspora – particularly in the UK, USA, and Canada – can contribute with ease. LRBT, along with its foreign chapters, ensures that all Zakat is utilised for the betterment of our patients.
PAGE: How would LRBT celebrate 23rd March this year?
Dr Malik Ahmed Saeed: LRBT, renowned for its free eye care services in Pakistan, will celebrate Pakistan Day this year amidst Ramazan with a blend of patriotism and religious observance. Activities will include:-
– A special prayer and remembrance for the prosperity and unity of the country.
– An educational sessions on Pakistan’s history and the struggles and sacrifices of the leaders.
– A health awareness campaigns focusing on the importance of regular eye check-ups, community with information about common eye problems and their preventions.
– A community iftar where staff and volunteers break fast together to foster a sense of community and solidarity.
– Flag hoisting ceremony to honour Pakistan Day.
This blend of activities will honors the nation’s independence while promoting unity and service to the community.