Project GODA (Gift of Disability Alleviation) transformed the lives of countless patients in need in 2025. The team traveled from the USA to Pakistan for their 8th year, and performed nonstop surgeries in Karachi, Lahore, and Muzaffargarh for a week. Dedicated to providing quality healthcare for the underserved, they performed these surgeries entirely free of cost. These included knee replacements, spinal surgeries, hip replacements, and ACL surgeries.
The Project GODA team comprised 26 incredible and dedicated doctors and professionals from the medical community specialising in orthopaedics, ENT, anesthesiology, and physical therapy. It 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 also made possible by the advanced, high-quality medical equipment that team GODA brought to Pakistan. This equipment, including knee and hip implants, benefited countless patients by enhancing the hospital’s capacity to provide state-of-the-art medical care.
Highlights of the event included the use of cutting-edge medical technology, including the innovative Hana medical bed. The Hana medical bed has been a game-changer in the operating room. With its adjustable height and angle, radiolucent surface, and integrated accessories, the surgical team worked with greater efficiency and accuracy.
Additionally, this was the first time the GODA team visited IHHN’s new expansion building, as they worked in the new Operation Theatres that featured modern medical technology and expanded space, ensuring optimal patient safety and efficiency in surgical procedures. Zimmer Biomet donated a record-breaking number of hip and knee replacement implants to IHHN for patient use, and their representatives carefully brought them all from the United States.
“The increased services that we’re providing for these patients is a moment of pride for those of us that came here with the hope and goal to serve humanity. Keep us in your prayers, keep supporting us, we’re going to keep doing as best as we can.” – Dr. Umar Burney, Orthopaedic Surgeon.
The visit culminated in the effective execution of 299 medical procedures, bringing hope and healing to countless patients and significantly reducing the waitlist for essential orthopedic surgeries. During their time in Pakistan, GODA performed 197 knee surgeries, 46 hip surgeries, 25 spinal surgeries, and 31 sports-related surgeries.
“I had been struggling with severe knee pain for three years, and my knees became non-functional. I had to let go of my sewing business and could barely perform basic tasks. But thankfully, I underwent a successful knee surgery with Project GODA. Now, I can walk again and am overwhelmed with gratitude. The first thing I did was pray Namaz while standing, for the first time in years. Thank you to the doctors who gave me my independence back.” – Zohra, 60 year old patient in Karachi.
We hold immense gratitude and deep appreciation for Project GODA and the entire team of medical professionals who, with great passion and dedication, took the time to serve underprivileged patients at IHHN. They have been a ray of hope and a symbol of a healthier, brighter future for IHHN’s patients.
