ISLAMABAD (GNP): Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations at Maroof International Hospital (MIH) were joined by Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez, Ambassador of the Philippines to Pakistan, along with his wife, Alicia Kalaw-Fernandez, who took part alongside MIH’s leadership, management, and staff.
The ambassador’s attendance underscored the warm ties between Pakistan and the Philippines.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Fernandez congratulated the people of Pakistan and praised Maroof International Hospital’s community service. He noted that “a nation is not built in one day; it is built every day through the contributions of its people.”
Ch. Naseer Ahmad, Chairman of Maroof International Hospital, welcomed the ambassador and his delegation, describing their presence as a genuine gesture of friendship between the two nations. He said building a nation is a collective effort, one that institutions can support through service, professionalism, integrity, and dedication to their communities, adding that healthcare institutions contribute daily by treating patients and improving public wellbeing.
CEO Haroon Naseer spoke about the value of teamwork and collective service, saying the hospital’s staff had come together as one team to mark Independence Day and hoped to carry that same spirit of collaboration into their everyday work serving the country. He reaffirmed MIH’s commitment to quality healthcare, professional excellence, and patient-focused service.
The visit began at Silver Oaks, where the ambassador and his delegation toured the Early Intervention Therapy Unit and were briefed on specialized programs for children needing early intervention, therapy, and rehabilitation services.
The delegation then moved to Maroof International Hospital, where Musarrat Naseer welcomed Alicia Kalaw-Fernandez with a bouquet. During a meeting with senior hospital management, the visitors were briefed on MIH’s healthcare infrastructure, specialized services, and patient care programs.
They also toured several hospital departments, including the Blood Bank, Laboratory, Rehabilitation Department, Operation Theaters, ICU, CCU, Cath Labs, Research, Dental, Pharmacy, Radiology, Labor Room, Emergency Room, NICU, and OPD.
The Independence Day ceremony opened with the national anthems of both Pakistan and the Philippines, symbolizing the friendship between the two countries.
An inter-departmental decoration competition added to the festivities, with hospital departments decorating their spaces using Pakistan’s national colors and symbols. The Early Intervention Therapy Unit and Radiology took first place, followed by Operation Rooms and Administration in second, and Inpatient Department along with Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation in third. Winning teams received cash prizes and certificates of appreciation.
Chaudhry Naseer Ahmed, Haroon Naseer, and Dr. Mir Abdul Waheed presented Ambassador Fernandez with an appreciation shield, recognizing his participation and his contribution to strengthening ties between Pakistan and the Philippines.
The event closed with a cake-cutting ceremony and group photographs, bringing together the diplomatic delegation and the MIH community to mark Pakistan’s Independence Day.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
