Care Beyond Borders

What does the organisation do to relieve sickness?

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Care Beyond Borders is a charitable organisation founded by altruists and clinicians with an unwavering commitment to addressing healthcare inequalities in underserved regions. Guided by the belief that access to healthcare is a fundamental right, the organisation aims to deliver world-class medical services to those in need. Its flagship project, the construction of a state-of-the-art hospital in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, represents a significant step toward fulfilling this mission.

At the heart of this initiative is a collaboration with the renowned architectural firm, John Cooper Architects, whose expertise in healthcare facility design ensures that the hospital will meet the highest standards of care. This facility is envisioned as a hub of excellence, integrating cutting-edge technology, innovative design, and a commitment to environmental sustainability. The hospital will serve as a beacon of hope for a region that has long suffered from inadequate healthcare infrastructure.

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Azad Kashmir faces significant healthcare challenges. The current system is unable to meet the needs of the population, leaving many without access to essential medical services. Preventable diseases such as hepatitis and tuberculosis are prevalent, and maternal and infant mortality rates remain unacceptably high. Patients requiring specialised care must often travel long distances to urban centres, delaying critical treatment and exacerbating health outcomes. Additionally, there is a severe shortage of facilities for managing chronic diseases, conducting advanced diagnostics, and providing oncology services, leaving vulnerable populations without the care they need.

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To address these urgent challenges, Care Beyond Borders has developed a strategy to develop a state of the art hospital. The proposed hospital will provide a full range of medical services, including emergency care, maternal and child health units, oncology wards, and advanced diagnostic facilities. This holistic approach will ensure that the community has access to timely, coordinated, and high-quality medical care. The hospital will also serve as a centre for clinical research, focusing on prevalent regional health issues and fostering innovations in medical treatment. Furthermore, the facility’s design will emphasise environmental sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient systems, green spaces, and renewable energy sources to create a healing environment for patients and staff.

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Significant progress has already been made in bringing this vision to life. A 38-kanal (4.75-acre) site near Mangla Dam has been identified as the ideal location for the hospital. This site offers excellent connectivity through major road networks, ensuring accessibility for patients and staff across the region. Due diligence and feasibility assessments are currently underway to finalise the acquisition. The partnership with John Cooper Architects further strengthens the project, bringing decades of experience in healthcare design and ensuring the facility aligns with international standards.

The establishment of this hospital will have a profound impact on reducing sickness in Azad Kashmir. By providing local access to comprehensive medical services, the hospital will eliminate the need for residents to travel long distances for treatment. It will also enhance disease prevention and management through public health initiatives, vaccination campaigns, and community outreach programmes. Early diagnosis and intervention will significantly reduce the burden of preventable illnesses, improving the overall health of the population. Additionally, as a teaching hospital, the facility will train and retain skilled medical professionals, creating a sustainable pipeline of healthcare providers to serve the region’s future needs.

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This project represents more than just a physical structure—it is a lifeline for the people of Azad Kashmir. By addressing the region’s healthcare deficiencies with a sustainable and innovative approach, Care Beyond Borders aims to transform lives and build a lasting legacy of care. The charity calls upon individuals, corporations, and governments to join this transformative journey.

 

What services are provided by the hospital supported by the organisation?

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The proposed hospital in Azad Kashmir, led by Care Beyond Borders, aims to address the region's critical healthcare challenges by offering a comprehensive range of services designed to improve health outcomes and alleviate sickness. The facility will include a state-of-the-art emergency and trauma department, equipped with triage areas, trauma bays, minor procedure rooms, and integrated imaging services such as X-rays and CT scans. This department will enable the rapid assessment and treatment of medical emergencies, ensuring timely interventions for critical cases.

 

Maternal and child health services will play a central role in the hospital’s operations. Dedicated units will provide antenatal, postnatal, and obstetric care, supported by labour and delivery rooms, neonatal intensive care units (NICU), and postpartum recovery wards. These services aim to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, which are alarmingly high in the region. Additionally, specialised paediatric inpatient wards will address the healthcare needs of children, ensuring comprehensive care from infancy through adolescence.

 

The hospital will also establish robust oncology services, offering screening, diagnosis, and treatment for various cancers. Advanced diagnostic and imaging services, including MRI, CT scans, X-rays, ultrasound, and laboratory facilities, will support accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans for both acute and chronic conditions. Infectious disease management will be bolstered by dedicated isolation rooms equipped with negative pressure technology, enabling the hospital to respond effectively to outbreaks and safeguarding public health.

 

Rehabilitation services, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and hydrotherapy, will be available to support recovery and improve the quality of life for patients following surgery or injury. Recognising the importance of mental health, the hospital will provide counselling, psychotherapy, and psychiatric services to address conditions such as depression and anxiety, which are often underreported and untreated in the region. In addition, palliative and supportive care units will ensure that patients with terminal illnesses receive compassionate and dignified care during their final stages of life.

 

As a teaching hospital, the facility will play a vital role in training local medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and technicians. This initiative will help build a sustainable pipeline of skilled healthcare workers, ensuring that the hospital's impact extends far into the future. The educational focus will also foster continuous improvement in healthcare delivery across the region.

 

The hospital’s design and clinical strategy are intricately aligned to optimise service delivery, patient experience, and operational efficiency. A patient-centred layout ensures that departments are strategically positioned to reduce travel distances for patients and staff. For instance, diagnostic and imaging facilities are placed near emergency and surgical units to facilitate seamless care. The inclusion of natural light, courtyards, and healing gardens will create a therapeutic environment, enhancing recovery rates and promoting well-being for patients and staff.

 

To manage infectious diseases effectively, the hospital will include specialised zones with negative pressure isolation rooms, safeguarding patients, staff, and the broader community. The infrastructure is designed to be scalable, allowing for future expansions to accommodate increasing healthcare demands and advancements in medical technology. Sustainability is a key focus, with energy-efficient systems, solar panels, and water recycling mechanisms integrated into the design. These features will reduce operational costs while promoting environmental stewardship.

 

The clinical strategy incorporates digital health technologies such as telemedicine, electronic medical records, and advanced diagnostic tools. These systems will enhance patient safety, improve care coordination, and streamline administrative tasks, allowing clinicians to dedicate more time to patient care. The hospital will also prioritise staff well-being by providing on-call accommodations, staff lounges, and training facilities, creating a supportive environment that promotes productivity and reduces burnout.

 

Who provides these services?

 

The delivery of services at the proposed hospital in Azad Kashmir will involve a combination of local and international medical professionals, supported by robust training and development initiatives to address the challenges of limited human resources in the region. The hospital’s clinical team will include doctors, nurses, technicians, and allied health professionals, recruited from both local and international pools. Specialist services such as oncology, advanced diagnostics, and surgical care will initially require the expertise of international consultants and visiting clinicians to establish and train local teams.

The region’s existing healthcare system faces a significant shortage of skilled medical personnel, a challenge compounded by the limited availability of advanced training opportunities and the migration of healthcare professionals to urban centres or abroad. This shortage presents a barrier to the consistent delivery of high-quality care, particularly in specialised fields such as oncology, infectious diseases, and maternal health.

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However, the emergence of several medical schools in Azad Kashmir offers a unique opportunity to cultivate and upskill the local healthcare workforce. Institutions such as Azad Jammu and Kashmir Medical College (AJKMC), Poonch Medical College (PMC), and Mohi-ud-Din Islamic Medical College (MIMC) have laid the groundwork for training future generations of doctors and healthcare professionals. By collaborating with these medical schools, the hospital can serve as a teaching and training centre, equipping graduates with practical experience and specialised skills.

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As a teaching hospital, it will offer clinical placements, residencies, and ongoing professional development programmes for medical students and healthcare workers. This approach will not only enhance the skill set of the local workforce but also foster retention by providing opportunities for career advancement within the region. Over time, this will create a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals, reducing reliance on external expertise and addressing the long-term human resource challenges in the healthcare sector.

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Additionally, the hospital’s partnerships with international medical organisations will ensure access to advanced training and knowledge-sharing opportunities. Visiting consultants and specialists will provide on-the-job training to local staff, introducing them to best practices, emerging technologies, and advanced treatment protocols. This dual approach of leveraging international expertise while developing local talent will ensure that the hospital delivers world-class healthcare while empowering the regional workforce.

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While the shortage of human resources remains a pressing issue, the integration of medical education, international collaboration, and local training initiatives positions the hospital to make a lasting impact. By addressing immediate staffing needs and investing in the development of the local workforce, the hospital will not only provide high-quality healthcare services but also contribute to the long-term improvement of the region’s healthcare system.

Who can attend?

 

The proposed hospital in Azad Kashmir will stand as a beacon of inclusivity and accessibility, welcoming everyone who seeks care, knowledge, or collaboration. Designed with the principle that healthcare is a fundamental right, the hospital will serve patients from all walks of life, ensuring that no one is denied treatment due to socioeconomic, ethnic, or geographic barriers. Its comprehensive range of services will cater to the diverse needs of the community, providing a safe haven for those who have historically struggled to access adequate healthcare.

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The hospital will provide care to individuals across Azad Kashmir and beyond, addressing critical gaps in the existing healthcare infrastructure. Rural and underserved populations, who often face significant challenges in accessing medical services, will particularly benefit. Patients will no longer need to undertake long and costly journeys to distant cities for specialised care; instead, they will find advanced diagnostics, skilled medical professionals, and comprehensive treatments within their own region. From emergency and trauma care to specialised services in oncology, maternal health, and paediatrics, the hospital will cater to a wide spectrum of medical needs.

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There will be no restrictions on who can attend the hospital. Whether a person is seeking routine care, advanced treatments, or emergency services, they will find an open door and a compassionate team ready to assist. The hospital’s inclusive policies ensure that healthcare is provided with dignity and respect, fostering trust and confidence within the community.

Beyond serving patients, the hospital will play a transformative role in empowering medical professionals. Doctors, nurses, and allied health workers from the local community will find opportunities to work in a state-of-the-art facility, equipped with the latest technologies and supported by evidence-based practices. This exposure will not only enhance their skills but also provide a pathway for professional growth within their home region, reducing the outflow of skilled workers to urban centres or abroad.

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The hospital will offer ongoing training and professional development programmes, enabling local healthcare workers to stay abreast of advancements in medical science and technology. These initiatives will create a robust and capable healthcare workforce, ensuring that the hospital can continue to meet the region's growing healthcare demands.

As a teaching hospital, the facility will extend its services to medical students, providing them with invaluable hands-on experience in a clinical setting. Students from regional institutions, subject to agreements, such as Azad Jammu and Kashmir Medical College, Poonch Medical College, and Mohi-ud-Din Islamic Medical College will be welcomed for clinical placements, internships, and residencies. This integration of education and healthcare delivery will not only strengthen the skills of aspiring doctors and nurses but also create a sustainable pipeline of medical professionals for the region.

The hospital’s mentorship programmes will pair students with experienced clinicians, offering guidance and support as they transition from theoretical learning to practical application. Through these opportunities, students will gain exposure to real-world medical challenges, learning to apply their knowledge in a way that directly benefits their community. Over time, this hands-on training will contribute to building a self-sufficient healthcare system in Azad Kashmir, reducing dependence on external expertise.

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The hospital will also serve as a platform for global collaboration, inviting international medical and surgical delegations to contribute their expertise. These visiting professionals will bring cutting-edge knowledge, innovative techniques, and specialised skills to the facility, enhancing its capacity to deliver world-class care. Their presence will provide invaluable training opportunities for local staff, fostering the exchange of ideas and best practices.

International delegations will also participate in complex surgical cases, multidisciplinary treatment plans, and research initiatives, ensuring that the hospital remains at the forefront of medical advancements. This collaboration will not only benefit patients in Azad Kashmir but also contribute to global medical knowledge, addressing healthcare challenges unique to the region.

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The hospital will act as a hub for clinical research, attracting researchers and professionals eager to address the region’s specific health concerns. From studying the prevalence of diseases like hepatitis and tuberculosis to exploring innovative treatment protocols for cancers and genetic disorders, the facility will foster a culture of inquiry and innovation. Partnerships with global universities, medical organisations, and research institutions will amplify these efforts, enabling the hospital to make meaningful contributions to medical science.

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By integrating research with service delivery, the hospital will create an environment where knowledge is constantly evolving, directly translating into better outcomes for patients. This dual focus on care and research will position the hospital as a leader in healthcare innovation, benefiting not only the local community but also the broader medical field.

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On what terms can members of the public attend the hospital and receive services?

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The hospital’s model is envisaged to provide equitable access to healthcare, with a focus on delivering free medical services to poor and needy patients who lack the financial means to afford treatment. This commitment ensures that no individual is denied care due to their socioeconomic status. At the same time, the hospital will implement a balanced approach by offering paid services for those who can afford them, creating a sustainable model where revenue from paying patients helps subsidise free care for the underserved.

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For patients who are unable to afford treatment, the hospital will operate a free care model. This will cover a broad spectrum of medical services, including emergency care, maternal and child health, oncology, and advanced diagnostics. By removing financial barriers, the hospital will ensure that the most vulnerable members of the community receive the care they need.

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To determine eligibility for free care, the hospital will utilise existing poverty assessment strategies and frameworks employed in Azad Kashmir and Pakistan. Tools such as the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and the Ehsaas Programme are widely recognised for identifying low-income families and individuals. These programmes use comprehensive criteria, including household income, property ownership, and employment status, to assess financial hardship. The hospital will align with these established mechanisms, verifying patients' eligibility for free care through documentation or referrals from local community leaders and social welfare organisations.

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Additionally, the hospital may establish its own assessment framework, involving a social welfare team dedicated to evaluating patients’ financial circumstances. This approach will ensure that free care reaches those who truly need it while maintaining transparency and fairness in the allocation of resources.

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Patients who can afford to pay for their treatment will have access to the same high-quality services as those provided under the free care model. The income generated from paid services will play a crucial role in sustaining the hospital’s operations and funding free care for poorer patients. This cross-subsidy model ensures that the hospital remains financially viable while fulfilling its mission of equitable healthcare delivery.

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The payment structure will be designed to be fair and competitive, offering cost-effective treatment options that are more affordable than private sector facilities. At the same time, paying patients will benefit from access to a state-of-the-art facility with advanced technology, skilled professionals, and a patient-centred environment.

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To further support the provision of free care, the hospital will actively engage donors and sponsors. Donors will be encouraged to sponsor specific medical treatments, such as surgeries, cancer therapies, or maternal care, for underprivileged patients. Transparent reporting mechanisms will be in place to ensure that sponsors can see the direct impact of their contributions.

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In addition to individual sponsorships, the hospital will conduct regular fundraising campaigns to generate resources for free care. These initiatives will target local and international donors, leveraging the goodwill of individuals, corporations, and charitable organisations. Events, donation drives, and partnerships with philanthropic entities will form the backbone of the hospital’s fundraising strategy.

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The hospital’s financial model will incorporate robust governance mechanisms to ensure accountability and transparency. Regular audits and reports will provide a clear overview of how funds are allocated between free and paid services. This approach will build trust among donors, sponsors, and paying patients, reinforcing their confidence in the hospital’s mission.

 

What are the benefits of the organisation's purposes?

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The purposes of Care Beyond Borders bring significant and far-reaching benefits, positively impacting individuals, communities, and the region as a whole. At its core, the organisation seeks to improve health outcomes by providing high-quality medical care to underserved populations, particularly the poor and vulnerable who lack access to adequate healthcare. Through free services for those in need, the hospital ensures that socioeconomic barriers no longer prevent individuals from receiving life-saving treatments. By addressing preventable diseases, providing emergency care, and offering specialised services such as oncology and maternal health, the organisation enhances survival rates, reduces complications, and improves the overall quality of life for patients and their families.

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The establishment of the hospital also strengthens the local healthcare workforce by offering training and professional development opportunities. Partnering with local medical schools and serving as a teaching hospital, the organisation equips aspiring doctors, nurses, and technicians with practical skills and experience. This effort not only addresses the current shortage of skilled professionals but also creates a sustainable pipeline of caregivers who will continue to serve the region’s healthcare needs. Over time, this builds self-sufficiency within the local healthcare system, reducing reliance on external expertise.

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Beyond healthcare, the organisation contributes to economic growth and community empowerment. The hospital will create jobs for medical, administrative, and support staff, while indirectly boosting local industries such as construction, medical supplies, and hospitality. Healthier individuals can return to work and contribute productively to their communities, breaking the cycle of poverty and illness. Preventive care and public health initiatives further reduce the prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases, easing the strain on the healthcare system and enabling healthier communities to thrive.

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The hospital’s focus on research and innovation advances medical knowledge, addressing the unique health challenges of the region. Studies on diseases such as hepatitis, tuberculosis, and maternal health complications will not only benefit local populations but also contribute valuable insights to the global medical community. Additionally, the facility’s capacity to manage public health crises, such as pandemics and natural disasters, will enhance the region’s resilience and safeguard broader community health. By incorporating advanced isolation facilities and emergency care units, the hospital will be equipped to provide rapid and effective responses to emerging health threats.

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Sustainability is a key aspect of the organisation’s purpose, reflected in the hospital’s environmentally conscious design. Energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures, and green spaces not only reduce operational costs but also set a standard for environmentally responsible healthcare facilities in the region. This commitment to sustainability aligns with global efforts to combat climate change while fostering a healing and therapeutic environment for patients and staff.

 

How has the organisation identified those needs and what evidence or information it has used?

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Care Beyond Borders has identified the healthcare needs in underserved regions, particularly Azad Kashmir, through an assessment of existing challenges, infrastructure gaps, and community requirements. The analysis of limited health statistics and reports has been a critical starting point for identifying regional healthcare deficiencies. Data from national sources such as the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics and international organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO) reveal high maternal and infant mortality rates, a significant prevalence of preventable diseases such as hepatitis, tuberculosis, and malaria, and insufficient access to specialised medical care. These findings highlight the urgent need for a robust healthcare infrastructure capable of addressing both acute and chronic conditions in the region.

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A detailed evaluation of existing healthcare infrastructure in Azad Kashmir has further validated these needs. Government and district hospitals, as well as rural health centres, are often underfunded, poorly staffed, and lack advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities. Patients frequently face financial and logistical barriers to accessing care, particularly for specialised services, which are often only available in urban centres. The absence of adequate emergency response systems and isolation facilities for infectious diseases exacerbates the healthcare crisis, leaving the region ill-prepared to manage public health emergencies or outbreaks.

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Input from medical experts, healthcare providers, and local stakeholders has been invaluable in shaping the organisation’s understanding of regional needs. These consultations have underscored the demand for improved emergency care, maternal and child health services, oncology treatment, and mental health support. The involvement of global experts, including the architects at John Cooper Architecture, has further ensured that the proposed hospital will align with international healthcare standards while addressing local challenges effectively.

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Community engagement has also played a pivotal role in identifying specific healthcare priorities. Surveys, interviews, and discussions with local residents and leaders have revealed the financial barriers many face in accessing care, reinforcing the necessity of providing free or subsidised services for the poor. This grassroots-level feedback has ensured that the hospital’s services are tailored to the community’s real and pressing needs. Together with evidence from successful healthcare models in similar contexts, this thorough and collaborative approach has enabled Care Beyond Borders to design a transformative healthcare solution for Azad Kashmir.