Overview & Founding
Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (SKMCH&RC) is Pakistan’s first state-of-the-art, charity-based cancer hospital, inaugurated on 29 December 1994 in Lahore.
It was founded by Imran Khan in memory of his mother, who died of cancer in 1985. Their shared vision was to provide accessible cancer care for all, regardless of financial status.
🎯 Mission & Funding Model
- Charitable focus: Approximately 75% of patients receive treatment completely free of cost, funded through public Zakat, Sadqa, and donations.
- Governance: Operated by the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust, managed by a Board of Governors comprising physicians, business professionals, and chaired by Imran Khan.
🏨 Facilities & Capacity
- Bed Count: 195 beds in Lahore, 60 beds in Peshawar, and Karachi hospital under construction.
- Expert Staff: Over 3,500 employees, including internationally trained doctors and specialists.
- Diagnostic Labs: Conducting 5–6 million tests annually with CAP, ISO, JCI, and PHC accreditations.
- Treatment Facilities: Includes five linear accelerators, PET-CT, chemotherapy, radiology, and nuclear medicine units.
🧪 Departments & Services
Clinical Departments
- Pediatric and Adult Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Radiation Therapy
- Anesthesiology
- Nuclear Medicine
Diagnostic Services
- Pathology: Anatomical and clinical pathology, extensive blood banking.
- Radiology: CT, MRI, PET‑CT, ultrasound, digital X‑ray.
- Nuclear Medicine: Diagnostic and therapeutic use of isotopes.
Pharmacy & Blood Bank
- Integrated inpatient and outpatient pharmacy services.
- Therapeutic drug monitoring and aseptic compounding.
- Fully functional blood bank.
Walk-in & Diagnostic Centres
- Main center in Lahore with additional walk-in clinics at Liberty and Jail Road.
- Regional lab centers in Karachi, Multan, Islamabad, and more.
🏅 Accreditations & Achievements
- Joint Commission International (JCI) Gold Seal of Approval (re-accredited in 2021).
- College of American Pathologists (CAP) accredited lab.
- ASHP accreditation for pharmacy residency (first outside USA).
- Other accolades: PAS Awards, ISO certifications, WHO UAE Prize, HACCP, CMMI Level 2.
🔬 Research & Education
SKMCH&RC conducts cutting-edge research in epidemiology, molecular biology, and clinical trials. Focus areas include genetic risk factors, tumor virology, and infections in cancer patients.
The Shaukat Khanum Institute of Health Sciences offers accredited nursing and oncology diploma programs in collaboration with the University of Health Sciences (U
FAQs about Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (SKMCH‑RC)
What is SKMCH‑RC?
Shaukat Khanum is Pakistan’s first tertiary-care, charity-based cancer hospital, founded in 1994 by Imran Khan, providing comprehensive cancer diagnosis, treatment, research, and education
Where are its locations?
Main centres are in Lahore and Peshawar, with a third branch under construction in Karachi (scheduled to open in 2026)
How many beds does it have?
The Lahore branch has around 195 inpatient beds
Which clinical services are offered?
It provides medical, surgical, pediatric & radiation oncology, pathology, nuclear medicine, clinical radiology, pharmacy, supportive services (physiotherapy, nutrition, psychology, play & speech therapy)
How do I make an appointment?
New and follow-up OPD appointments (in-person or via Telemedicine) can be booked Monday–Saturday, 9 AM–8 PM by calling +92 42 35905000 Ext. 8888 or emailing info@skm.org.pk
Is treatment free?
Yes—about 75% of patients receive treatment free of cost based on clinical criteria like curability and fitness. SKMCH‑RC operates a financial assistance programme accessible via walk-in clinics in Lahore, Karachi & Peshawar
What are the eligibility criteria for financial support?
Support is provided to patients with confirmed cancer, curable disease stage, physical fitness for treatment, and no prior cancer therapy
Does SKMCH‑RC have any international accreditations?
Yes—it has JCI Gold‑Seal accreditation, ASCO QOPI® certification, and CAP accreditation for its pathology lab; its Trust also has enterprise JCI accreditation
Can international (e.g., Afghan) patients be treated?
Yes, non‑resident Afghan patients are accepted; financial aid is granted on a case-by-case basis. It’s best to contact SKMCH‑RC directly with medical documentation
Are electives or internships offered?
SKMCH‑RC offers clinical electives to senior medical, physiotherapy, nutrition, and psychology students, and observerships for doctors. Application includes a fee, airport pick-up (for international students), and possible accommodation
How can I support or donate?
Donations help fund patient care, research, expansion (e.g., Karachi branch), and services. Options include online contributions, Zakat, Qurbani, and blood donation