Umeed (Hope) Hospital, located in Mureed village, District Chakwal, Pakistan, stands as an inspiring symbol of community-driven healthcare. Founded out of a tragic need witnessed firsthand, the hospital has grown to serve thousands of underserved patients, guided by a mission to provide quality medical care free of charge for those in need.
Background and Mission
The hospital’s journey began in 2004 when a pregnant woman lost her life during a local free medical camp due to the absence of nearby healthcare facilities. Deeply moved, brothers Haji Murid Sultan (late) and Haji Taleh Mehdi initiated the project, laying the foundation stone on June 19, 2005. By January 2006, Umeed Hospital opened its doors as a primary health clinic dedicated to the community.
Spanning seven kanals of donated land (around 32,000 sq ft) and built with initial private funding, Umeed Hospital operates under the principle of providing quality care based on NHS‑UK protocols, completely free for patients who cannot afford treatment.
Facilities and Services
Currently operating with a 40‑bed capacity, the hospital offers a range of services including:
- General Outpatient Department (OPD)
- Emergency care
- Specialized Eye Care services
- Diagnostic imaging and laboratory testing
- On-site pharmacy and physiotherapy
Eye care remains a flagship specialty, providing weekly cataract surgeries, glaucoma treatment, diabetic retinopathy care, pediatric exams, corneal transplants, and vision correction procedures such as LASIK.
Outreach and Community Programs
To extend care beyond hospital walls, Umeed Hospital conducts mobile eye and health camps in nearby villages, including areas in Azad Kashmir. Each year, these outreach programs screen thousands, conduct hundreds of vision tests, and perform free surgeries and distribute reading glasses to those in need.
One signature event is the annual Health Mela, which brings together over a thousand underprivileged people for free health screenings including blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and vision checks. Over the years, these efforts have collectively benefited more than 60,000 patients and enabled thousands of sight-restoring cataract operations.
Ambulance and Transport Services
The hospital maintains three dedicated ambulances to meet diverse needs:
- A small van suitable for village pick-up on narrow roads
- A fully equipped emergency ambulance for critical patient transfers
- A larger community ambulance seating around 16–18 passengers to transport patients from remote areas for treatment and surgical camps
These services are provided free of charge for patients unable to pay, ensuring distance never becomes a barrier to care.
Governance and Sustainability
Umeed Hospital is operated by the Al‑Ain International Welfare Trust (UK), which also manages a registered charity in Pakistan. All administrative expenses are covered through trading activities, ensuring that every public donation directly funds medical services and projects. Oversight is provided by a dedicated board of trustees that reviews progress and plans future growth.
Future Growth Plans
Looking ahead, Umeed Hospital aspires to become a 100‑bed, multi‑specialty facility. Planned expansions include:
- 24/7 emergency department and surgical suites
- Comprehensive departments such as gynaecology, paediatrics, cardiology, orthopaedics, dental care, endocrinology, and more
- Advanced diagnostic center with ECG, echocardiography, and digital X-ray
- Telemedicine services to connect with UK-based specialists for live consultations
- A medical training institute with lecture halls, simulation labs, nursing school, and an educational library
This strategic vision ensures the hospital continues to adapt and respond to the evolving healthcare needs of District Chakwal and beyond.
Impact and Significance
Serving over 1.5 million residents across 248 villages, where roughly 81% of people live in rural areas, Umeed Hospital bridges a critical healthcare gap. By combining charitable donations, community service, and professional care, the hospital offers a sustainable model that delivers dignity and life-changing medical support to thousands who might otherwise go without treatment.
Summary Table
| Feature | Status / Plans |
|---|---|
| Beds | 40 operational; planned expansion to 100 |
| Key Services | OPD, Eye Care, Laboratory, Pharmacy, Emergency |
| Outreach | Mobile health & eye camps, annual Health Mela |
| Patients Served | 60,000+ to date |
| Funding Model | Land donated, charity sponsorship, admin costs covered by trading |
| Growth Ambitions | Multi‑specialty hospital, telemedicine, medical training center |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is treatment at Umeed Hospital free?
Yes, all medical services are free for patients who are financially unable to pay, in line with the hospital’s charitable mission.
What types of surgeries are performed at Umeed Hospital?
Currently, the hospital specializes in cataract and other eye surgeries. Future plans include expanding to general, maternity, and orthopedic surgeries.
How can I support or volunteer at Umeed Hospital?
Individuals can support through donations, volunteering at medical camps, or helping with community outreach. Contacting the hospital or the Al‑Ain International Welfare Trust is the best way to get involved.
Does the hospital provide emergency care?
Yes, an emergency department is operational, supported by fully equipped ambulances for patient transfers to tertiary care centers when needed.
What makes Umeed Hospital unique?
Its commitment to offering NHS‑standard healthcare completely free for underserved patients, combined with sustained outreach and an ambitious growth plan, sets Umeed Hospital apart as a model of community-focused healthcare in rural Pakistan.