VPT-KGH Collaboration

Established in 2006 in Landhi, Karachi, Koohi Goth Hospital (KGH) stands as a testament to a legacy of service initiated by Dr. Atia Zafar and Syed Abu Zafar. Driven by a deep commitment to their rural roots, the couple built a healthcare network and cultivated a culture of compassion and care in their community. Their children, Dr. Shershah Syed and Dr. Shaheen Zafar, have carried this mission forward, transforming KGH into a beacon of hope for women across Pakistan. 

For decades, this family has played a pivotal role in Karachi’s healthcare landscape, bridging private and public sectors and championing women’s health. Dr. Shershah, an internationally acclaimed advocate for women’s health, and Dr. Shaheen, a distinguished OBGYN and examiner for CPSP, have trained countless healthcare professionals. Their expertise has provided critical insights into maternal health challenges, including obstetric fistulas, a pressing issue in Pakistan. 

The collaboration between VPT, KGH exemplifies innovative, community-cantered healthcare, delivering meaningful change and improving lives. 

In 2014, VPT and KGH joined forces to revolutionize healthcare for underserved women in Pakistan. KGH initially focused on addressing obstetric fistulas resulting from limited access to skilled birth attendants and healthcare infrastructure. Over time, it evolved into a premier midwifery training centre and a strong advocate for national healthcare initiatives. Supporting VPT’s mission, KGH provides skilled birthing services and trains community midwives. Together, they have achieved remarkable milestones: training over 1,260 midwives, repairing 900 obstetric fistulas, assisting 94,400 pregnancies, and saving the lives of 50,000 women in just a decade.

Their combined efforts span 14 districts, impacting over 32 million people across Sindh and beyond. This collaboration has expanded KGH from a 150-bed facility to 300-bed campuses at five locations across Sindh, delivering 31,000 babies. Simultaneously, VPT has provided counselling to 236,916 women, family planning services to 128,344 women, and supported 73,521 pregnancies. Their initiatives include administering 1.8 million vaccines and implementing community-driven interventions, which have significantly improved outcomes in Rehri Goth, Sindh: reducing under-5 mortality by 51%, neonatal mortality by 40%, and increasing skilled delivery rates by 30%. 

This partnership exemplifies a successful model for strengthening maternal healthcare by training midwives, expanding surgical care, and addressing critical gaps in reproductive health services. Their transformative work not only saves lives but also builds resilient healthcare systems with the potential for nationwide scaling.