Transforming Healthcare: Marafie Foundation Pakistan Debuts the Kuwait Medical Complex in Skardu
The Marafie Foundation Pakistan, an initiative of Kuwait’s renowned Marafie family, officially inaugurated its flagship healthcare project today – the Kuwait Medical Complex (KMC) – a state-of-the-art 100-bed hospital located in the heart of Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan. This premium facility, designed to meet the region’s growing healthcare demands, offers a range of services including a modern operating theater, a fully equipped laboratory, diagnostic services, a pharmacy, and 24/7 emergency care. True to the Foundation’s philanthropic mission, the hospital provides free treatment for those in need and discounted services for patients with the ability to pay.
In his address at the inauguration, Mr. Abdul Ilah M.R. Marafie, Chairman of the Board of Directors, expressed gratitude to the people of Kuwait and the government of Pakistan for their unwavering support. He described the opening of KMC as a significant milestone, reinforcing the Foundation’s deep commitment to improving healthcare and education in the underserved regions of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). “Our connection with GB runs deep, and we are dedicated to combating poverty by enhancing education and healthcare access for its people,” he said.
The Marafie Foundation has been active in Gilgit-Baltistan since 1995, making profound contributions to the region’s social upliftment, particularly in health and education. Thousands of families have benefited from the Foundation’s efforts, which have transformed lives and futures across the region. Chairman Marafie also highlighted the Foundation’s earlier projects, including the establishment of a hostel in Karachi to provide students from GB with better access to quality intermediate education, and the opening of its first hospital in Mehdiabad in 2006, focused on women’s health, which continues to serve the local community.
Special recognition was given to the late Kuwaiti Amir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the first donor to the KMC, for his pivotal role in realizing the vision for this hospital. The Chairman also thanked the Pakistan government for granting 30,000 square meters of land, which made the construction of this much-needed facility possible.
“This hospital stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the people of Kuwait and our family’s commitment to service,” said Chairman Marafie. “We will continue to support the Kuwait Medical Complex with dedication, ensuring it remains a beacon of hope and healing for all.”
Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan, Syed Mehdi Shah, also spoke at the event, extending his heartfelt thanks to the people of Kuwait for their humanitarian contributions. He praised the Marafie Foundation for overcoming numerous challenges to complete the hospital, recalling the groundbreaking ceremony held in 2014. “The people of Pakistan will always remember the kindness and generosity of Kuwait, and this hospital is one of the largest gifts the people of GB have received.”
The inauguration ceremony was attended by a distinguished gathering of Kuwaiti donors, prominent medical practitioners, political figures, religious scholars, and senior officials. One of the hospital’s first patients, Dilshad Hussain, expressed his gratitude in a statement to KUNA, praising the hospital management for his free treatment and extending prayers for the continued prosperity of Kuwait.
