Nobel Prize for Dr. Adeeb

Jawaid IqbalDr. Adeeb Rizvi, a Karachi-based doctor, philanthropist, and pioneering renal transplant surgeon, is the founder of the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT), Pakistan’s largest kidney transplant center that operates on the principle of “free with dignity,” ensuring that patients receive world-class treatment without the stigma of charity. In his early days, Dr. Rizvi pursued his medical education at Dow Medical College in Karachi. He later trained in the United Kingdom, specializing in urology and renal transplantation. Despite lucrative opportunities abroad, Dr. Rizvi returned to Pakistan in the 1970s to establish a healthcare system where no one would be denied treatment due to financial constraints. He began with an eight-bed urology ward at Civil Hospital in Karachi. Over the decades, this modest setup grew into the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT), a state-of-the-art institution offering free treatment for kidney-related diseases, dialysis, organ transplantation, and cancer care. Today, SIUT is a lifeline for thousands of patients, particularly those who cannot afford expensive medical procedures.

Dr. Rizvi’s philosophy is simple yet profound: “Healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege.” This belief underpins SIUT’s model, which combines excellence in medical care with compassion and accessibility. The SIUT serves over a million patients annually, offering services such as dialysis, lithotripsy, oncology treatments, and organ transplants—all free of cost. SIUT is a hub for research and medical education. One of Dr. Rizvi’s most significant achievements is normalizing organ transplantation in Pakistan, as through relentless advocacy, he helped pass the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act in 2010, which legalized cadaveric organ donation and curtailed the unethical organ trade. Beyond his medical contributions, Dr. Rizvi embodies humility and selflessness. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including Pakistan’s highest civilian awards, the Sitara-e-Imtiaz and Hilal-e-Imtiaz. However, his true reward lies in the gratitude of the hundreds and thousands of patients whose lives he has transformed. Dr. Rizvi’s contributions are a testament to his medical expertise and unwavering commitment to social justice. In a country where millions lack access to basic healthcare, his work bridges the gap between the privileged and the marginalized. Given his monumental contributions to healthcare and humanity, Dr. Adeeb Rizvi deserves global recognition. He epitomizes the spirit of altruism, demonstrating that one individual’s vision can change the lives of millions. A Nobel Prize for his work would honor his legacy and spotlight the importance of accessible healthcare as a universal right. For the Noble Prize Committee, community service could be the sector to evaluate his role as Dr. Rizvi’s lifelong humanitarian work, which also brought a paradigm shift in the medical and healthcare sectors. In the 1990s, Dr. Rizvi received the ‘Ramon Magsaysay Award,’ known as the Nobel Prize of Asia. Upon receiving the prestigious award, he said, “We cannot let people die because they cannot afford to live.”

Dr. Rizvi’s unwavering dedication to providing free, world-class medical care to all, irrespective of their social or economic background, sets him apart as a true humanitarian. In an era marked by widening inequalities and injustice, his life inspires medical professionals and philanthropists worldwide. Dr. Adeeb Rizvi is not just a doctor but a symbol of humanity at its finest, as his relentless pursuit of his vision has given countless patients a second chance at life. Despite his global reputation, he shuns the spotlight, focusing instead on his mission to serve humanity. he has proven that compassion and dedication can overcome the most formidable challenges by advocating for free healthcare, breaking cultural barriers, and transforming lives. Awarding him the Nobel Prize would be a fitting tribute to a man who has devoted his life to uplifting others and redefining healthcare in Pakistan and beyond.

Syed Jawaid Iqbal
President & Editor in Chief