Project GODA Completes Another Life-Changing Surgical Mission

In 2025, Project GODA (Gift of Disability Alleviation) made a profound impact on the lives of underprivileged patients in Pakistan. For the eighth consecutive year, a dedicated team of medical professionals from the USA traveled to Karachi, Lahore, and Muzaffargarh, conducting a week-long surgical mission. Committed to providing quality healthcare, the team performed life-changing surgeries entirely free of cost, including knee replacements, spinal surgeries, hip replacements, and ACL procedures.

The team, comprising 26 highly skilled doctors and specialists in orthopedics, ENT, anesthesiology, and physical therapy, included Dr. Mohammad Umar Burney, Lauren Podina, Dr. Ali Ashraf, Dr. Khalid Yousuf, Joel Thompson, Dr. Ahmed Siddiqi, Dr. Bilal Mahmood, Dr. Haariss Ilyas, Atif Ahmed, Dr. Mohammed Mohsin Yawar Ahmed, Dr. Wajeeh Bakhsh, Andrew Pritchett, Jordan Whitman, Dr. Saad Ali Khan, Dr. Junaid Makda, Dr. Hasham Mohammed Alvi, Dr. Abdul Ahad, Drew Peterson, Dr. Swar Vimawala, Dr. Brian Swendseid, Dr. Nadir Ahmad, Dr. Munawar Ali, Dr. Mohamed Mahomed, Dr. Syed Irfan Qasim Ali, Richard Francis, and Dr. Ahmad Nassr.

The success of these procedures was made possible not only by the expertise of the medical team but also by the state-of-the-art equipment they brought to Pakistan. Advanced knee and hip implants significantly enhanced the hospital’s capacity to deliver high-quality orthopedic care.

A key highlight of this mission was the use of cutting-edge medical technology, including the innovative Hana medical bed. This specialized surgical bed revolutionized operating room efficiency, providing enhanced flexibility, precision, and patient safety.

For the first time, Project GODA operated in IHHN’s newly expanded surgical facilities, benefiting from modern operation theaters equipped with advanced medical technology. The mission was further strengthened by a record-breaking donation of hip and knee implants from Zimmer Biomet, ensuring that more patients could receive the care they needed.

Reflecting on the mission’s impact, Dr. Umar Burney, Orthopedic Surgeon, shared: “The expanded services we are providing to these patients fill us with immense pride. We came here with the goal of serving humanity, and we will continue to do our best. Keep us in your prayers and keep supporting us.”

Over the course of the mission, the team successfully performed 299 surgical procedures, significantly reducing the waitlist for essential orthopedic surgeries. This included 197 knee surgeries, 46 hip replacements, 25 spinal surgeries, and 31 sports-related procedures.

Among the many patients whose lives were transformed was Zohra, a 60-year-old woman from Karachi. Sharing her gratitude, she said: “For three years, I suffered from severe knee pain that left me unable to work or even perform basic tasks. Thanks to Project GODA, I underwent successful surgery. The first thing I did was pray Namaz while standing—for the first time in years. I am forever grateful to the doctors who gave me back my independence.”

IHHN extends its heartfelt appreciation to Project GODA and its team of passionate medical professionals. Their dedication has been a beacon of hope for countless patients, paving the way for a healthier and brighter future.

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