CDA hospital capacity enhanced to 416 beds: NA told

ISLAMABAD, Mar 09 (APP): Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry informed the National Assembly that the capacity of a hospital mainly serving employees of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and their families had been increased to 416 beds after 136 beds were added in 2022.

Responding to questions during the Question Hour, he said the hospital was primarily used by CDA employees and their families. With the addition made in 2022, the total bed capacity of the hospital reached 416.

The minister said there was no more space available to increase the number of beds. “It is not possible to add more beds at this time because the facility has reached its maximum capacity,” he told the House.

Talal Chaudhry said the bed occupancy rate usually remained between 60 and 70 percent, which showed that beds were generally available when more patients needed treatment.

He also highlighted improvements in the hospital’s staffing, saying that all departments are now fully functional with adequate staff.

“For the first time, the hospital has a complete staff structure and all departments are working,” he said.

He added that only 79 posts were still vacant, mostly for nurses and paramedical staff, while all other positions had been filled.

The minister said the addition of 136 beds two years ago had significantly increased the hospital’s capacity, but there was currently no room to expand the facility further.

Responding to another question, Talal Chaudhry said the Ministry of Interior had no direct role in deciding whether elections were held or postponed. He said the ministry only implemented decisions after legislation was passed and the Election Commission of Pakistan announced the polls.

He explained that the authority to conduct elections rested with the legislature and the Election Commission. “The Interior Ministry has no direct role in the holding or delay of elections,” he said.

He added that whenever the parliament passed relevant legislation and the Election Commission decided to hold elections under that law, the Interior Ministry ensured the necessary arrangements for their implementation.