Indus Hospital gala dinner unites community in Dubai to support free healthcare in Pakistan

Over 400 supporters come together to champion dignity, access, and equitable healthcare

  • PUBLISHED: Thu 22 Jan 2026, 10:38 AM

Dubai witnessed a powerful evening of generosity, solidarity, and purpose as the Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) successfully hosted its UAE gala dinner 2026 on January 10, 2026. The event brought together over 400 guests, predominantly overseas Pakistanis residing in the UAE, all united by a shared commitment to supporting free, high-quality healthcare for underserved communities in Pakistan.

The gala marked a significant moment for IHHN, one of Pakistan’s largest free healthcare networks, which continues to provide lifesaving treatment to over six million patients annually, entirely free of cost. The evening served as both a celebration of this impact and a call to action, reinforcing the belief that access to healthcare should never be determined by financial means.

Adding to the energy and momentum of the night were celebrated actors Nauman Ijaz and Mahira Khan, whose presence brought a sense of excitement and collective enthusiasm to the fundraising efforts. The fundraising segment saw overwhelming participation, with Mahira Khan leading a spirited auction that included a sari from her personal collection. In addition to this was a cricket bat signed by all 12 national cricketers. The high-spirited engagement translated into strong support for the cause, underscoring the influence of cultural icons in mobilising philanthropy.

A key highlight of the evening was a presentation by Dr Zafar Zaidi, CEO of IHHN, who outlined the network’s future vision and strategic priorities. He shared IHHN’s ambitious plans to further strengthen its education and research initiatives, expand its Primary Care Programme, and continue building a sustainable healthcare model that reaches communities at the grassroots level.

Funds raised during the gala were dedicated to supporting IHHN’s Emergency Department, a critical lifeline for thousands of patients who rely on immediate, lifesaving care every day. The Emergency Department remains one of the most vital entry points into IHHN’s healthcare system, often serving patients at their most vulnerable moments.

Beyond the numbers and milestones, the evening highlighted the human stories at the heart of IHHN’s mission, families spared the burden of medical debt, and patients receiving dignified care during medical emergencies. These stories reinforced a powerful message echoed throughout the night: free healthcare is not charity, it is dignity, equity, and hope in action.

The success of the UAE gala dinner 2026 further strengthened the long-standing bond between IHHN and its supporters in the region. By bringing together donors, advocates, and community leaders, the event reaffirmed the shared responsibility of ensuring that ethical, impact-driven healthcare remains accessible to all.

As IHHN continues to expand its reach across Pakistan, the generosity and solidarity shown in Dubai stand as a testament to what collective action can achieve, turning compassion into care, and hope into healing.