Dr. Maryam Shoukat, a 27-year-old Pakistani physician pursuing her residency in the United States, passed away just half an hour before undergoing a life-saving liver transplant.
Earlier this month, Dr. Maryam was admitted to Rutgers University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey, after suffering acute liver failure. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, and doctors stressed that an urgent transplant was her only chance of survival.
Her husband, Dr. Hamza Zafar, sought help from the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA). The organization responded immediately by launching an emergency fundraising campaign. Within a single day, $273,000 was raised, with the total now close to $400,000.
The overwhelming support prompted the hospital to reduce the transplant cost from $900,000 to $450,000. APPNA quickly paid $100,000, allowing Dr. Maryam’s name to be added to the official transplant list. A matching donor liver was soon located, giving hope that her life could be saved.
According to APPNA General Secretary Dr. Muhammad Sanaullah and President Dr. Humera Qamar, alongside physicians including Dr. A. Fazal Akbar, Dr. Zeeshan, Dr. Babar Rao, Dr. Fateh Shehzad, and Dr. Siddique Khurram, the entire community rallied to support the effort. They described it as a mission to save the life of a young doctor who herself had chosen a profession dedicated to saving others.
Tragically, just as she was about to be taken for surgery, Dr. Maryam’s condition suddenly worsened, and she died 30 minutes before the procedure.
APPNA leaders expressed their sorrow, calling her story one of sacrifice, courage, and hope. “She came with the dream of healing others, but in the end, she needed healing herself,” the organization said.
Inna lillah he wa inna elehay Rajeon.
Inna lillahe wainna ilayhe rajiun
V.sad, may Allah SWT give her the highest place in jannah and save for those left behind. Ameen
May Allah rest in peace..
This money should be utilized to help some other needy who are in dire need of medical care
Very sad news. A great loss for parents, husband and all close ones.
The efforts of Pakistani doctors in the mission of saving the young Pakistani soul is commendable.
The ajr azeem is stored for them with Allah.
May the young girls soul rest in peace and she gets highest place in Jannah.
انا لله وانا اليه راجعون
Allah yarhamha , God bless her . What was the cause of her acute liver failure. I learned it was due to paracetamol toxicity. Why was that happened.
Always paracetamol poisoning occurrence as sucidal attempt , which was not the case of her death .
Please reply to my email address
Inna Lillahe wa Inna Alaihe Rajeoon.
May Allah forgive her shortcomings and grant her Jannat Ul Firdaus. Her bereaved husband and family at large patience and fortitude to handle the loss. Aameen