KARACHI, AUG 10 (DNA) – Dr Ruth Katherina Martha Pfau, who spent over 50 years of her life to fighting leprosy in Pakistan, passed away on Thursday in a private hospital of Karachi.

Dr. Ruth Katherina Martha Pfau, who is also known as ‘Pakistan’s Mother Teresa, was admitted to the ICU of the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre on Wednesday as she was having breathing difficulties.

A team of doctors, treating the 88-year-old Dr. Ruth, shifted her to ventilator and were struggling to save her life. She passed away late Wednesday night while undergoing surgery.

In 1960, Dr Ruth decided to dedicate the rest of her life to the people of Pakistan and their battle against Leprosy. She came to Karachi and started treatment of the leprosy patients.

In recognition of her service to the country, she was awarded Pakistani citizenship in 1988. Dr Ruth received the Hilal-i-Pakistan award for her work with leprosy patients in 1989. She also received Nishan-i-Quaid-i-Azam in 2010.Her last rituals will be performed at St. Patrick’s Church in Karachi’s Saddar area on August 19.