Karachi | January 10, 2025 | TN Media News
📌 A Bold Step for Public Health
In a major move to uplift underserved communities, the Government of Sindh has entered into a strategic partnership with Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), Karachi. The collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on January 10, 2025.
This partnership, spearheaded by Minister for Auqaf, Religious Affairs, Zakat & Ushr, Syed Riaz Hussain Shah Sheerazi, aims to deliver critical healthcare services to low-income individuals, utilizing Zakat funds for financial support.
🤝 The Agreement in Detail
The MoU was signed by Muhammad Kashif Siddiqui, Director (Accounts & Audit) of the Zakat Department, and Dr. Ashar Afaq, Registrar of DUHS. Under the agreement, DUHS will provide:
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Outpatient (OPD) consultations, Emergency care services, Diagnostic tests, Medications, Inpatient treatments
All services will be offered to deserving patients at significantly subsidized rates, making healthcare more accessible.
🏛️ Ceremony and Stakeholder Support
The signing ceremony was attended by key government and university officials, including:
Muhammad Mureed Rahimoon, Secretary Zakat & Ushr
Prof. Dr. Nazli Hussain, Pro-Vice Chancellor, DUHS
Syed Zain-ul-Abideen Shah, Director Finance
During the event, Minister Sheerazi stated,
This MoU reflects our government’s resolve to ensure no deserving individual is denied essential healthcare. With DUHS’s medical expertise and technology, we will make a real impact.
🌍 Wider Social Impact
This partnership is expected to significantly improve public welfare across Sindh. Through the use of Zakat funds, the most vulnerable populations will gain access to quality medical care—something previously out of reach for many.
By involving a top-tier medical institution like DUHS, the initiative is designed to bridge gaps between financial need and healthcare access.
✅ Moving Forward
This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in Sindh’s public health strategy. It reflects the province’s dedication to inclusive development, especially in healthcare. The model may also serve as a blueprint for similar partnerships in other regions.
The agreement has been widely welcomed by health professionals, community leaders, and civil society, who view it as a practical, compassionate solution to a pressing issue.
