Lahore – In a significant development for Pakistan’s healthcare and Christian community, Mr. Ayub Ghulam has been appointed as the new Administrator of United Christian Hospital (UCH), Gulberg Lahore. The appointment was confirmed by the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the hospital, signaling a fresh start for an institution once regarded as a beacon of medical excellence.

The official notification, signed by Victor Azariah, Chairman of the Board of Directors, entrusted Mr. Ghulam with the responsibility of restoring the hospital’s smooth functioning, financial sustainability, and operational excellence. His duties include overseeing hospital management, financial oversight, human resources, policy implementation, and resource mobilization.

Reviving a Legacy of Excellence

Once a prestigious Christian healthcare institution in Lahore, the United Christian Hospital now lies in ruins—a shadow of its former glory. Founded on January 1, 1948, through the collective efforts of Protestant missions after the Partition, UCH rapidly grew into one of Pakistan’s most advanced hospitals. Relocated to Gulberg III in the early 1960s, it became Lahore’s first state-of-the-art facility, celebrated for modern infrastructure, highly skilled staff, and compassionate service.

UCH made history by performing Pakistan’s first open-heart surgery in the mid-1960s, led by Canadian-American surgeon Donald E. Bowes, cementing its reputation as a national medical leader. It also served as a vital training hub for the Christian community, symbolizing interfaith harmony and dedication to compassionate healing.

From Glory to Decline

Decades of mismanagement, church politics, financial corruption, and internal disputes, however, plunged the institution into decline from the 1980s onwards. Reports of land and equipment sales, fake degree appointments, and unpaid salaries devastated its infrastructure and credibility.

By the 2000s, most departments had shut down, equipment lay idle, and staff abandoned the premises. Despite repeated interventions, including a 2018 Supreme Court directive to restore the hospital, UCH remains in disrepair. Its once-bustling corridors now stand empty, and its prime Gulberg land sits underutilized.

A Visionary Leadership for Renewal

Against this backdrop, Ayub Ghulam’s appointment is seen as a turning point. Known for his integrity and leadership, he has set forth a visionary plan to restore UCH to its past glory. His goals include:

• Modernizing infrastructure with state-of-the-art medical technology.

• Ensuring staff welfare through timely salaries and training.

• Establishing a medical college to train future healthcare leaders.

• Enforcing transparent governance to root out corruption.

• Mobilizing resources from donors, partner organizations, and philanthropists.

“UCH’s revival isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about reigniting its spirit of service and reclaiming its role as a symbol of unity,” Mr. Ghulam emphasized.

Community’s Role in Revival

Observers note that the revival of UCH will require collective effort. Civic bodies, Christian leaders, NGOs, and the wider community are being called upon to contribute through donations, equipment, expertise, and advocacy. Volunteer organizations like Friends of UCH have already played a role, and Mr. Ghulam aims to expand such partnerships.

A New Dawn for UCH?

As Lahore watches closely, hopes are pinned on Ayub Ghulam’s ability to overcome entrenched challenges and restore one of the city’s historic healthcare landmarks. His mission carries weight beyond healthcare—it represents a fight to preserve Pakistan’s pluralistic heritage, reaffirming the Christian community’s role in nation-building.

If successful, the revival of United Christian Hospital will not only restore an invaluable healthcare asset but also stand as a testament to resilience, faith, and shared humanity.