Islamabad:In a major boost to healthcare access for the underprivileged, Islamabad-based NGO iFeel (International Foundation for Education Empowerment and Learning), in collaboration with Matrix Group, has announced the launch of the first-ever completely free tertiary care hospital for Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
The announcement was made at a ceremony held at the project site near Chak Shahzad, where the Burney family, owners of Matrix Group, formally donated five acres of prime land for the hospital. The facility will be developed and operated on a cashless and paperless model, similar to the Indus Hospital system.
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghauri, former chief of air staff Air Chief Marshal (r) Sohail Aman, former chief of naval staff Admiral (r) Asif Sandila, religious scholar Dr. Anis Ahmed, former senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, healthcare professionals, and a large number of citizens from the twin cities.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Tayyaba Siddiqui, chairperson of iFeel, and Mahrin Iqbal Siddiqui, CEO of the organisation, highlighted iFeel’s 17-year contribution to health and education services, particularly for marginalized communities.
Nasim uz Zafar Burney, chairman of Matrix Group, and Naeem Burney, CEO, emphasised the urgent need for quality healthcare for underserved segments of society. They said the family decided to donate the strategically located land near Chak Shahzad and DHA Margalla Enclave to ensure maximum accessibility for patients.
The hospital will be constructed in three phases, with a Family Clinic planned for completion in 2026, and the full 250-bed tertiary care hospital expected to be operational by the end of 2028. The project will rely entirely on donations and public support.
Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghauri assured full government cooperation, calling the initiative a vital step toward improving public healthcare delivery. The gathering was also addressed by Dr. Anis Ahmed and renowned community health expert Dr. Sameen Siddiqui, former WHO country director for Egypt, Iran, and Jordan.
Participants and representatives of the local community widely appreciated the initiative and pledged their support. Khurshid Burney, head of the Burney family, thanked attendees for their encouragement, while Mufti Abdul Salam led a collective ‘dua’ at the conclusion of the ceremony for the success of the project.
