By Amjad Mehmood                                                   Photo by Sultan Bashir

— Cleft Hospital Pakistan, in collaboration with Daily The Spokesman, jointly organized a high-profile event titled “World Health Coverage Day” at a Serena hotel in Islamabad, bringing together diplomats, senior government officials, members of the business community, philanthropists and media professionals. The event underscored the importance of universal access to healthcare and highlighted the role of specialized non-profit institutions in bridging gaps within Pakistan’s health sector.

The ceremony was graced by Ambassador Dr. Ahmed Ali Sirohey as the chief guest,  who has served in many countries by representing Pakistan as Counsellor, Deputy High Commissioner, and   Ambassador. He is currently serving as Director General, Crisis Management Unit (CMU), Ministry of Foreign Affairs  . The event was further honored by the presence of Ambassador of Tajikistan, H.E. Sharifzoda Yusuf Toir, and the Consul General of Lithuania, Mr. Mohamed Masud Khan along with representatives from civil society organizations and healthcare advocates. Speakers emphasized that equitable health coverage is not merely a policy goal but a moral imperative, particularly for vulnerable populations.

In his address, Ambassador Dr. Sirohey paid glowing tribute to the Association’s life-changing work, describing it as “medicine infused with mercy and professionalism guided by compassion.” He emphasized that healthcare initiatives like those of PCLPA represent the highest form of public service—where science meets humanity.

He reserved special appreciation for Dr. Aijaz, the driving force behind the Association, calling him “a quiet reformer whose scalpel heals not only faces but futures.” Ambassador Sirohey praised Dr. Aijaz’s leadership, commitment, and relentless dedication to providing free and affordable corrective surgeries for underprivileged children across Pakistan.

He assured the Association of continued moral support and encouraged stronger partnerships between civil society, the medical community, and public institutions to expand outreach and sustainability.

In the heart of Punjab’s industrial city of Gujrat stands an institution that has quietly but profoundly changed the lives of thousands of families across Pakistan. Cleft Hospital Pakistan, a specialized non-profit healthcare facility, has emerged as the country’s leading center dedicated exclusively to the treatment of cleft lip, cleft palate and associated craniofacial deformities. Through its integrated medical approach, international collaborations and humanitarian mission, the hospital has become a symbol of hope for children born with facial anomalies.

The foundation of Cleft Hospital Pakistan traces back to the vision of Dr. Ijaz Bashir, a distinguished plastic and reconstructive surgeon. During his early medical career, Dr. Bashir encountered numerous children suffering from cleft conditions who lacked access to consistent and comprehensive treatment. Realizing that short-term surgical camps were insufficient for long-term rehabilitation, he conceptualized a permanent, purpose-built hospital that could provide lifelong care to cleft patients. This vision materialized in 2010, when the hospital was formally established on the Grand Trunk Road in Juliani, Gujrat.

“CLEFT HOSPITAL GUJRAT: RESTORING SMILES, TRANSFORMING LIVES”

Before the hospital’s inception, organized cleft care in Pakistan was largely provided through the Pakistan Cleft Lip and Palate Association (PCLAPA), which conducted periodic surgical missions with the support of foreign surgeons. While impactful, these initiatives highlighted the urgent need for a permanent institution. Cleft Hospital was thus founded as a continuation and expansion of these early efforts, offering year-round services under one roof. Now, the hospital offering a comprehensive range of medical services essential for complete cleft rehabilitation. At its core is a dedicated Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, which performs corrective surgeries for cleft lip, cleft palate and related facial deformities using internationally accepted protocols. These procedures are carefully timed and tailored according to the patient’s age and clinical needs, ensuring optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Recognizing that cleft care extends far beyond surgery, the hospital operates a fully integrated multidisciplinary model. Specialized dental and orthodontic services address tooth alignment and jaw development, while audiology services assess and manage hearing impairments commonly associated with cleft conditions. A well-established speech and language therapy unit plays a crucial role in helping children develop clear and confident speech following surgical repair. The hospital also houses pediatric and ENT services, ensuring comprehensive medical oversight for young patients. Nutritional guidance is provided to families, particularly for infants who face feeding difficulties due to cleft palate. In addition, psychological counseling is offered to support patients and parents coping with the emotional and social challenges associated with facial deformities.

Beyond clinical care, Cleft Hospital Pakistan has positioned itself as a center for research and professional training. Its research department, established in 2015, focuses on studying the causes, patterns and management of cleft conditions within the Pakistani population. The hospital regularly hosts workshops, symposia and training programs for surgeons, speech therapists and allied health professionals, contributing to capacity building in cleft care nationwide. What truly distinguishes Cleft Hospital is its humanitarian ethos. Operating as a non-profit institution, it provides treatment at minimal or no cost to patients who cannot afford care. The hospital serves individuals from all provinces of Pakistan, as well as neighboring regions, making it a national referral center for cleft management. Support from international medical volunteers and charitable organizations has further strengthened its ability to deliver services that meet global standards.

Over the years, tens of thousands of surgeries and therapies have been carried out at the hospital, each representing a restored smile and a renewed sense of dignity. By combining surgical excellence with long-term rehabilitation, education and research, Cleft Hospital Pakistan has set a benchmark for specialized healthcare in the country. As Pakistan continues to face challenges in access to specialized medical services, institutions like Cleft Hospital Gujrat stand as powerful examples of how vision, compassion and professionalism can transform lives-one smile at a time.

Earlier, Dr. Ijaz Bashir delivered a detailed multimedia presentation outlining the journey, achievements and future vision of Cleft Hospital Pakistan. He shared key statistics on patient outreach, surgical success rates and multidisciplinary care outcomes, while also highlighting the hospital’s growing emphasis on research, training and prevention. Dr. Bashir emphasized that cleft treatment is a long-term process that requires sustained support, often spanning several years of a child’s development. He also underscored the need for increased public awareness and early intervention, noting that timely treatment can dramatically improve quality of life and social integration for affected children. The presentation met with keen interest and appreciation from participants, many of whom acknowledged the hospital’s transparent and impactful use of resources.

Participants from diplomatic circles, business communities and philanthropic organizations unanimously appreciated both the event and the work of Cleft Hospital Pakistan. Several philanthropists and corporate representatives announced their intention to financially support the hospital’s mission, pledging donations and exploring long-term partnerships to sustain and expand its services. Media representatives also committed to raising awareness about cleft conditions and promoting preventive healthcare narratives.

At the conclusion of the event, the co-host of event, Mr. Naveed Ahmad Khan, Editor of Daily The Spokesman, addressed the audience and expressed deep appreciation to all participants for their presence and support. He termed the gathering a memorable and meaningful occasion and reaffirmed his commitment to continue organizing such awareness-driven events in the future. Mr. Naveed Khan said it was a great honor for Daily The Spokesman to be part of an initiative that promotes inclusive healthcare and humanitarian values. On behalf of the organization, he extended heartfelt gratitude to the chief guest Ambassador Dr. Ahmed Ali Sirohey, Ambassador of Tajikistan H.E. Sharifzoda Yusuf Toir, and Consul General of Lithuania Mr. Mohamed Masud Khan for gracing the event with their distinguished presence. He also paid special tribute to Dr. Ijaz Bashir, founder of Cleft Hospital Pakistan, for sponsoring the event and for his unwavering dedication to serving humanity.

The event concluded with a hi-tea, providing attendees with an opportunity for informal interaction and networking. Conversations reflected optimism, shared purpose and a collective resolve to support inclusive healthcare initiatives. The successful observance of World Health Coverage Day ended on a high note, reinforcing the message that collaborative efforts can make quality healthcare accessible to all segments of society.