Brief History & Introduction

The Lahore Hospital Welfare society was established in 1942 by a group of Hindu and Muslim ladies of Lahore who started the Convalescent Home for patients of the Mayo Hospital. After Partition the Hindu ladies left and the remaining group was joined by some more members under the leadership of Begum Justice Shams Shadhabuddin who with untiring efforts laid the foundations of the present Home which was named after her when she pass away.

The Shams Shahabuddin Convalescent Home is a success story of people helping people. It embodies a tradition of services and devotion spanning half a century. It is a worthwhile cause if every there was one. And – It is right in your back yard.

The 150-bed hospital is situated within the premises of Mayo Hospital, Lahore. Since its birth as a modest 21 bed facility in 1936, an estimated 70,000 patients have passed through its doors. Once they are admitted to the Home, their entire stay is absolutely fee. The poorest of the poor who come to Mayo Hospital for treatment are referred to the Home. Here they received free diagnosis, treatment, medicines, nursing care, board and lodging.

A Promise Delivered

How is this possible? Largely due to generous donation from philanthropists and to our dedicated team of volunteers. The Home has competent staff of doctors, nurses, physiotherapist, housekeeper, ayahs, and cleaners. The monthly expenditure of the Home amounts to six Lack rupees, and this is raised entirely through donations, and fund raising. Our volunteers supervise the running of the Home on daily basis, monitoring everything from hygiene to food to daily count of medicine. They visit the wards and enquire the health and comfort of every patients. Thus ensure that every rupee donated is utilized in the best possible way.

A secure Haven for Women and Children

The Convalescent Home or Sehat Gah has been a home way from home for hundreds of women and children seeking medical care at the Mayo Hospital. These women come to the sprawling city of Lahore from distant villages and neighboring cities. Many having left their homes and families for the very first time. For these women the Convalescent Home is a safe and secure haven where they can stay in comfort prior to surgery or while undergoing prolonged procedures of chemotherapy, physiotherapy or radiotherapy. During their stay these women are able to share their experiences with other resident patients at the same time helping each other emotionally and physically to tide over the tiring period in their lives.

Besides providing patients with a nutritional diet, the Home takes care of all medication including scans, x-rays and ultra sound free of charge. Healthy and hygienic food is prepared in our kitchen everyday special food is prepared for patients requiring or a semi-solid diet. Fresh fruit, juices and milk is also given to all patients on a daily basis.

Our mission

We provide quality healthcare services for poor women, men and children. Our aim is to make their stay comfortable during their short or long convalescence from prolonged illness.

People Helping People

The Shams Shahabuddin Convalescent Home has a people centered approach. Our patients come from the lowest strata of society – those who cannot afford to pay for even the most basic medical attention. Our volunteers are kind-hearted people who contribute their time and money to run this institution. Our donors are large-hearted individuals and caring organizations. All these people from different walks of life come together in this common cause.

Mrs. Fahmida Malik has been associated with the Home since 1966. It is due to her tireless efforts that the Home has flourished from 26 beds to a 150 bed home. Her lifelong commitment to \this cause is an inspiration for all. “We are blessed to have many generous people helping in our cause,” she feels. “I believe that if you are sincere in your efforts, you will find many people willing to join hands with you.”

Male Patients

For over five decades the Convalescent Home cared for women and children only. In the year 2000 we felt the need to allow male patients as well. We start by allocating one ward for male patients. Today we have male wards in the semi basement housing upto twenty patients.

Najma Rafique is 18 years old. Her father used to be a gardener, but presently has no job or income. When she came to the Home, she was suffering from severe pain in her leg for 3 months. She underwent back surgery and her leg was amputated. Now the Home is providing her with an artificial limb to bring the smile back to her face.

Razia Munir is a 60-year-old widow. She was unconscious when she was brought to the Home suffering from a combination of hypertension and diabetes. After a regimen of medical treatment and nursing care, she is feeling much better.

Shabbir Khan is a12-year-old boy from Swat. His father was a labourer, but he passed away. Shabbir developed jaundice, and was absolutely pale when the was admitted to the Home. Now he is cured.

Treatment Offered

Cancer

Cancer patients are usually admitted for long-term treatment. They are given radiotherapy at the cancer department of Mayo Hospital, But other drugs are administered at the Home itself. Patients who need chemotherapy are provided injections from the Home.

Orthopaedic

All patients suffering from arthritis are given treatment here. They are given medicines, diathermy and physiotherapy. Patients whose limbs are amputated are given prosthesis and those having spinal trouble are provided with belts etc.

Postoperative Care

Postoperative care for patients is provided at the Home. Patients who having undergone surgery for gall bladder, ulcer, tumor and appendix operations are taken care of until they have recuperated.

Medical

Medical treatment for many diseases is provided, such as meningitis and CVS disorders. Burns/ COPD and renal failure are also treated here. Patients with bone disorders / blood dyscrasia and chest pleurisy / diabetes are given medical care.

Cardiac Ailments

Patients requiring cardiac surgery are given pre-and post-operative care and hospitalization. Patients in the convalescent stage are also treated.

Polio

Patients are given medical as well as physiotherapy treatment. It is a very slow and painstaking procedure. Improvement is noticed in patients after several weeks or months.

Executive Members 2006

President: Begum Fahmida Aziz Malik
President: Begum Nusrat Rauf Yousaf
Vice President: Begum Ambreen Irfan
Vice President: Muhammad Ishaq Qazi
General Secretary: Begum Nusrat Jalal
Finance Secretary: Begum Tasnis Munir
Joint Secretary: Begum Chma Sikandar Khan
Joint Secretary: Mrs. Lubina Haq

Services

Convalescent Home is a 150-bedded auornodation Hospital within the premises of Mayo Hospital patients those who can not afford their investigations, treatment and such their services. Also they are being prove did nerve free auoomodation investigations i.e. CT Scan, MRI and all types of investigation which they need for final diagnosis and all types of convalescent Home is also having machinery and physiotherapist, who are also providing service to indoor outdoor patients.