Henry Holland Mission Eye Hospital Explained

Henry Holland Mission Eye Hospital
Coordinates:27.9532°N 68.6495°W
Location:Shikarpur, Sindh
Country:Pakistan
Healthcare:Public
Former-Names:Hiranand Charitable Eye Hospital
Opened:1909

Sir Henry Holland Mission Eye Hospital (Urdu: ہنری ہالینڈ مشن آئی ہسپتال), also known as Sir Henry Eye Clinic, Mission Eye Hospital, and Hiranand Charitable Eye Hospital, is an eye hospital located in Shikarpur, Sindh.[1] [2] It is named after Sir Henry Holland.[3] [4]

History

The inception of Sir Henry Holland Mission Eye Hospital can be traced back to 1909 when a philanthropist, Hiranand, invited Sir Henry Holland to establish a medical facility in Shikarpur.[2] [5] Hiranand provided land, construction resources, and a sustenance fund for the patient and their companions.[1] Holland accepted, on the condition that the local community leaders consented to the project, and he retained the freedom to practice his faith and preach outside his professional environment.[1]

The proposal was initially met with substantial opposition due to Holland's affiliation with a Christian mission, raising religious concerns among the Hindu and Muslim communities.[1] Hiranand, however, challenged the objectors to find a doctor with the same caliber and commitment as Holland who was not Christian.[1] Hiranand eventually succeeded, leading to the establishment of an annual eye clinic in Shikarpur, starting from 1910.[1]

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s Holland's pioneering contributions in ophthalmology drew international attention.[1] Physicians and surgeons from the United Kingdom, Europe, and as far as the United States, Canada, and Australia came to learn and practice at the hospital.[1] This influx of global expertise transformed the hospital into a leading eye care facility.[1]

Hiranand, until his untimely death in 1913, bequeathed an endowment of Rs100,000 (approximating Rs105 million in 21st century) to sustain the clinic and cover staff expenses.[1]

After formally retiring in 1948, Holland transferred the administrative reins of the mission hospitals in Quetta and Shikarpur to his son, Harry Henry.[6] [1] Nevertheless, he continued to perform eye surgeries at Shikarpur until 1956, reflecting his unflagging dedication to the cause of ocular health.[1]

Since its foundation more than 150,000 eye operations have been performed.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Tribute: The miracle of sight. Mahmood Hasan. Khan. June 5, 2016. DAWN.COM.
  2. Web site: Sir Henry's forgotten dream. Shameen. Khan. May 21, 2015. DAWN.COM.
  3. Obituary . 10.1080/03068376608731940 . 1966 . Dow . Huch . Journal of the Royal Central Asian Society . 53 . 109–111 .
  4. Web site: Saving Eyes in Quetta, Shikarpur and Beyond. Shaikh Abdul. Rasheed. August 7, 2020.
  5. Web site: A historic hospital. May 14, 2019. DAWN.COM.
  6. Web site: Harry Holland. HeraldScotland.