Latif Memorial Cancer Hospital

Latif Memorial Cancer Hospital stands as a beacon of hope and advanced medical care in the heart of Rawalakot, Azad Kashmir. We are a registered non-profit institution driven by a singular mission: to provide world-class cancer diagnosis and treatment that is accessible, affordable, and, whenever possible, entirely free. Our facility was established to bridge a critical gap in healthcare, ensuring that financial constraints never prevent a patient from receiving life-saving oncology services. From our serene location in Village Bekh, we have built a comprehensive care model that combines cutting-edge telemedicine, regular specialist clinics, and a deeply compassionate, patient-first approach.

The journey of our hospital is rooted in a profound commitment to the community. Founded in 2019 by Dr. Naeem Latif, a practicing hematologist-oncologist based in the United States, the hospital was constructed on land generously donated by the late Muhammad Latif Khan. This legacy of giving back is the cornerstone of our daily operations. We understand that a cancer diagnosis brings not only physical challenges but emotional and financial burdens as well. Our team is dedicated to alleviating these burdens by offering a full spectrum of supportive services, from free screenings and discounted laboratory tests to community-wide education programs that empower individuals with the knowledge of prevention and early detection.

Our unique model leverages global expertise for local benefit. Through a collaboration with the World Telehealth Initiative, our patients in Rawalakot receive direct, face-to-face consultations with oncology specialists in the USA. This ensures that even the most complex cases are reviewed by top-tier physicians, and treatment plans are formulated with the latest international protocols in mind. We are not just a local clinic; we are a global cancer care hub, firmly planted in Azad Kashmir and connected to the world's best medical minds.

Comprehensive Oncology and Patient Services

The core of our hospital is our dedicated oncology services, designed to manage every step of the cancer care journey. We host a monthly cancer clinic led by a highly distinguished visiting oncologist, Maj. Gen. (R) Dr. Iftikhar, a specialist in brain tumors. This clinic, combined with our in-house medical team including compassionate physicians like Dr. Ayesha, ensures continuous, expert oversight. We are committed to a model of care where no patient feels rushed; every question is answered, every fear is acknowledged, and a clear, personalized path forward is established.

• Specialist Oncology Consultations: In-person and telemedicine-based appointments with leading oncologists.
• Brain Tumor Specialty Care: Dedicated monthly clinics with a neuro-oncology expert.
• Free Cancer Screenings: Proactive community screening programs to catch cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages.
• Discounted & Free Lab Tests: Essential diagnostic blood work and pathology services provided at minimal or no cost.

Telehealth: Global Expertise, Local Comfort

Perhaps our most transformative service is the Telehealth Oncology program, conducted in partnership with the World Telehealth Initiative. This initiative breaks down geographical barriers, allowing a patient sitting in our Rawalakot consultation room to discuss their PET scan results with a specialist in the United States. The process is seamless and deeply personal, ensuring that treatment decisions are made collaboratively between the patient, our local medical staff, and international experts.

This program is particularly vital for rare or aggressive cancers where access to a sub-specialist can dramatically change outcomes. The technology-enabled examination allows the remote physician to assess the patient and review records in real-time, providing definitive guidance on chemotherapy regimens, surgical options, or palliative care. It is this integration of in-person, familial care with remote, super-specialist intervention that truly sets Latif Memorial Cancer Hospital apart from any other facility in the region.

How Our Telemedicine Consultation Works

A patient begins with a thorough physical examination by our on-site medical team. Vital signs, history, and all previous medical records and scans are digitized. The consultation with the USA-based oncologist is then conducted live via a secure video link, with our doctors present to facilitate and implement the specialist’s advice immediately. This collaborative model guarantees that the highest standard of care is translated into a practical, local treatment plan.

Community Health and Medical Education

Our vision extends far beyond the walls of our treatment rooms. We are deeply invested in the long-term health of the Rawalakot and greater Poonch district community. We regularly conduct free medical check-ups for all conditions, with a particular focus on women's and children's health, recognizing these as critical areas for preventative care. These camps are often the first point of contact for individuals who may have otherwise ignored early warning signs.

Education is a powerful tool in the fight against cancer. Our team organizes cancer symposiums in Rawalakot, bringing together healthcare professionals from across the region. We also provide award-bearing Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (BLS & ACLS) training and continued medical education (CME) sessions, elevating the standard of emergency and oncology nursing care across Azad Kashmir. Education empowers not only our staff but also the public, dismantling myths and promoting proactive health-seeking behavior.

Why Patients Travel from All Over Azad Kashmir

Patients and their families journey to our door from Poonch, Bagh, Sudhnutti, and beyond because they find something increasingly rare: a healthcare sanctuary where humanity trumps a bank balance. We are a non-profit charity hospital, and our commitment to free and affordable care is unwavering. No one is turned away for an inability to pay for a cancer screening or a critical lab test. The hospital itself, a modern and meticulously clean facility, offers a calming environment that is essential for healing.

Another key differentiator is our team. The testimonials of our patients consistently highlight the empathy of our medical staff. Dr. Ayesha is frequently commended for her ability to take the fear out of a diagnosis by explaining complex conditions in understandable terms, creating a therapeutic alliance built on trust. The presence of Dr. General Iftekhar for brain tumor consultations provides a level of neuro-specialist access simply unmatched in the region. We combine this specialist access with discounted medications, under one roof, removing the logistical nightmare that often accompanies cancer care.

Location, Hours, and Getting Here

We are located in Village Bekh, Tehsil POX, just outside the main city of Rawalakot, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. The campus is easily accessible by road, and the peaceful rural setting provides a tranquil backdrop for recovery and treatment. Our facility is open for scheduled appointments and walk-in screenings from Tuesday to Sunday.

Facility Hours

• Tuesday - Saturday: 08:00 AM – 04:00 PM
• Sunday: 08:00 AM – 02:00 PM
• Monday: Closed

The easiest way to begin care is to call us directly at +92 331 4315234 to schedule an appointment. This ensures minimal wait times and that the specific specialist you need is available during your visit.

Making a Difference: How You Can Support Our Mission

Latif Memorial Cancer Hospital is a testament to the power of charitable giving. Every free screening, every life-saving telemedicine consultation, and every subsidized medication is made possible by the generosity of donors like you. We operate with the utmost financial transparency, ensuring that donations are directed precisely where the need is greatest: into direct patient care. Your contributions help us expand our services, acquire advanced diagnostic equipment, and sustain our promise to never deny care based on a patient’s financial status. We invite you to join our mission to bring life-saving cancer care to the underserved communities of Kashmir.