SUKKUR, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 15th May, 2026) Emrul Hasan, a resident of Ahmedpur in Dhaka, the road to survival led 1,500 kilometres across the border to Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) Hospital in Sindh, where he is now awaiting a liver transplant.
Hasan’s liver failed due to hepatitis, leading to fluid accumulation in his abdomen. With limited transplant facilities in Bangladesh, he turned to the internet in search of options. “The first result that came up, with the highest success rate, was the liver transplant centre at GIMS Gambat. And it was completely free,” he said.
To verify, Hasan contacted a patient from outside Pakistan who had undergone a transplant at GIMS three years ago. “He told me, ‘I had my liver transplant at GIMS completely free, and today, Alhamdulillah, I am living a healthy life.’”
GIMS is one of the few hospitals globally performing both liver and kidney transplants free of cost. Hasan credited the hospital’s director, Dr. Rahim Bakhsh Bhatti, for building a centre that now attracts patients from across the region. “I salute Dr. Bhatti’s vision. People from Bangladesh are coming here for treatment because of it,” he said.
Hasan secured an online appointment with Dr. Abdul Wahab Dogar at the GIMS Liver Transplant Unit.
After reviewing his previous test reports, Dr. Dogar called him the next day and confirmed he was eligible for a transplant.
With legal documents and the online appointment, Hasan approached the Pakistani embassy in Dhaka. “Embassy officer Zia-ul-Hassan also helped us. He said all organ transplants at GIMS are free and we would face no difficulty there. Within days, I got my visa,” he said.
Hasan arrived at GIMS hospital Gambat with his wife who is his liver donor. “This is my second day here. The doctors are specialists and humane, and the staff’s attitude is very friendly and supportive,” he said.
Dr. Nadeem Bajkani, Liver Transplant Physician, consultant Hepatologist, Gastroenterologist, Interventional Endoscopist and Assistant Professor at the GIMS Liver Transplant Unit, said the hospital’s mission goes beyond treating disease.
“Treatment is not just about the illness, but about mending broken hopes. Some journeys are not about crossing borders, but about finding a new life,” he said.
Hasan said he is hopeful that he and his wife will return to Bangladesh after a successful operation. “Every path taken for a liver or kidney transplant is a story of hope, courage and the desire to live again,” he said.
