RAWALPINDI: Al-Shifa flood outreach has reached over fifteen thousand victims across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa this month, delivering urgent medical care to families devastated by Pakistan’s worst floods of 2025. Through eight emergency camps, the Rawalpindi-based charity provided eye checkups, general consultations, and life-saving treatment to flood-hit communities.
In Swat, Buner, Swabi, Sambrial, Sialkot, Narowal, Wazirabad, and Kasur, patients lined up for assistance. For many, these camps marked their first access to medical care since rising waters swept away homes, livestock, and health facilities. As a result, entire communities were left stranded without doctors or medicines.
The floods have claimed 900 lives, including 255 children, and disrupted the lives of over five million people. Displaced families now spend nights in makeshift shelters, facing food shortages and unsafe drinking water. Moreover, elderly citizens with chronic illnesses and children with infections remain especially vulnerable.
In response, President Al-Shifa Trust Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Rehmat Khan launched an immediate intervention. His decision offered a lifeline to those unable to afford private medical care.
Dr Najam, General Manager of Al-Shifa Centre for Community Ophthalmology (ACCO), reported that allergic conjunctivitis, viral infections, keratitis, and bacterial conditions were most common in flood-hit areas. These issues often stem from exposure to contaminated water and poor hygiene. Additionally, more serious cases such as acanthamoeba keratitis and leptospirosis—both potentially linked to water tainted with animal urine—have also emerged.
To address these challenges, the trust distributed over 2,000 prescription eyeglasses, along with eye drops and ointments for various infections. It also screened more than 3,000 patients for diabetes and hypertension. Furthermore, it provided 2,500 food packets and 3,500 water purification tablets.
In KPK, three camps served over 5,200 patients. Meanwhile, five locations in Punjab reached nearly 9,800 people. With hospitals in Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Kohat, Gilgit, and Muzaffarabad, Al-Shifa Trust continues to mobilize its resources and expertise. Its teams are reaching communities cut off from specialised care.
Looking ahead, the trust plans to expand mobile clinics in the coming weeks. These units will carry ophthalmic equipment, medicines, and trained staff to more flood-affected areas. Notably, the initiative highlights the vital role private healthcare networks play in disaster response.
Beyond medical aid, Al-Shifa Trust is working with local community leaders to raise awareness about waterborne diseases and eye infections. These leaders help distribute educational materials on hygiene and safety. The trust includes these resources with medical supplies to reduce the spread of illness.
Ultimately, Al-Shifa flood outreach aims not only to heal but also to empower communities. It supports their efforts to rebuild health and resilience after the disaster.
