Christian Hospital

Taxila, Pakistan

Christian Hospital in Taxila, Pakistan, founded by Dr. John Gregory Martin, began serving rural patients in 1922. Quality low cost health delivery has been the policy of the hospital. Classified as a general hospital, it is known for prevention of blindness and restoring sight. As well, it is the largest eye service hospital in the world. Of its 766 beds, 587 are dedicated to eye patients, the others to general and obstetrical patients. Over 102,000 patients come to the hospital each year, 8,000 of them for various types of eye surgery. Dr. Ashchenaz M. Lall is the Medical Director.

The cost is kept low by relatives providing nursing care and food to the patients. No private patients or consultations are allowed. To keep hospital costs low, there are no bed charges and no daily doctor charges. Contributions from friends (individuals and churches) in the United States and Europe help to finance buildings, equipment and training of personnel.

In Taxila, the cataract removal procedure done by a surgeon has been perfected so that it can be completed in 3 minutes with 5 sutures. They have a success and infection rate that rivals US hospitals. Patient fees for one week of hospitalization, surgery. glasses, an implanted lens (if necessary), medication and bandages are approximately $l2.00.

Besides its work in eye care and surgery, Christian Hospital also serves as a general hospital providing close to 4500 surgical procedures a year for everything from prostate trouble to childbirth. An out-patient department provides care for those who do not need to be admitted and services include pre- and post-natal care, a well-baby clinic and family planning, and dental services. The hospital makes its own glasses — over 8,000 pairs a year. It also serves as a training center for physicians, orderlies, lab technicians and X-ray technicians. A chaplain provides pastoral care and brings the good news of Jesus Christ to patients in this predominantly Muslim country.

There is an active community health program which not only provides well-baby and mother care, but also provides literacy training for women in rural communities. PC(USA) specifically supports one Pakistani health worker who works in two very isolated villages.

The work of the Christian Hospital in Taxila, Pakistan, is assisted by grants from the Extra Commitment Opportunity Account #865364. The Medical Benevolence Foundation raises funds for medical training as well.