AMC Meets with Directors of Shaukat Khanum Hospitals for Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration

Abstract
The Afghan Medical Complex (AMC), led by the Atta Welfare Foundation, held its first meeting with the directors of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospitals in Lahore and Peshawar to learn from one of South Asia’s leading oncology institutions. The directors shared lessons from developing hospitals in Lahore, Peshawar, and Karachi, offering candid insights into challenges, mistakes, and strategies for sustainable growth. Discussions centred on AMC’s future challenges in Afghanistan — including sustainability, patient access, and affordability — with Shaukat Khanum’s leadership providing guidance on avoiding common pitfalls. Facility tours further deepened AMC’s understanding of operational models, community integration, and large-scale oncology systems. This exchange not only provided valuable knowledge but also opened pathways for future collaboration in training, mentorship, and institutional partnership, strengthening AMC’s mission to deliver free to affordable, quality cancer care in Afghanistan.

Introduction

The Afghan Medical Complex (AMC) by Atta Welfare Foundation had the privilege of holding an initial meeting with the directors of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospitals in Lahore and Peshawar. This was an important opportunity to learn from one of the region’s most successful oncology institutions and to explore avenues of future collaboration.

Learning from Experience

During the meeting, the directors shared invaluable insights into their experiences in establishing Shaukat Khanum hospitals across three major cities: Lahore, Peshawar, and Karachi.

In Lahore, their flagship hospital was the starting point, pioneering cancer treatment in Pakistan.

Peshawar provided lessons in regional expansion, community integration, and operational adjustments.

Karachi, now the largest of the three facilities, reflected growth on a scale that required significant planning and foresight.

The directors candidly discussed the challenges and mistakes faced during the development of these hospitals, and how those lessons shaped their future success. Their openness gave AMC the chance to anticipate and prepare for similar challenges that may arise in Afghanistan.

Addressing Our Future Challenges

The discussion also focused on AMC’s foreseen challenges in Afghanistan — including sustainability, patient access, affordability, and long-term planning. The Shaukat Khanum directors offered thoughtful perspectives on how to approach these issues and avoid repeating common pitfalls.

Such knowledge-sharing is invaluable as AMC progresses toward establishing Afghanistan’s first multi-oncology hospital. By learning from the journeys of our regional neighbours, we can design systems that are both effective and sustainable.

Tours and Insights

We extend our sincere gratitude to:

Mr Abid Qayyum, Territory Manager Fundraising Marketing and Resource Development, Shaukat Khanum Lahore, for providing us with an informative tour of the Lahore facility.

Dr Amir, Acting Director, Shaukat Khanum Peshawar, for hosting us, guiding us through the hospital, and offering constructive feedback to strengthen our planning phase.

These experiences gave AMC’s team a deeper understanding of how large-scale oncology hospitals operate in practice, and what strategies can ensure both clinical excellence and community trust.

Looking Ahead

In the near future, AMC hopes to continue this dialogue and explore pathways for deeper collaboration with Shaukat Khanum. This may include areas such as:

Knowledge sharing and mentorship

Training and capacity building for Afghan medical staff

Joint discussions on sustainable oncology models in South Asia

Long-term institutional partnerships

We are inspired by the achievements of Shaukat Khanum and optimistic that by working together, we can build a facility that provides free to affordable, quality, and local treatment for Afghan cancer patients.

Conclusion

The initial meeting with the directors of Shaukat Khanum was more than a discussion — it was a bridge between two organisations committed to fighting cancer in the region. By learning from their journey and building our own, AMC is moving closer to creating a centre of excellence in Afghanistan.

We express our gratitude to Shaukat Khanum’s leadership for their hospitality, guidance, and willingness to support Afghanistan’s fight against cancer.