Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah, presiding over a high-level meeting, has in principle approved a comprehensive Rs100 billion master plan including a Rs 50 billion grant from the Sindh government to transform Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK), marking a major step in overhauling the provincial capital’s healthcare infrastructure while work is set to begin immediately on the Abdul Sattar Edhi Medical Tower.
CM approves Rs 50bn Master Plan for Civil Hospital Karachi to add 500 more beds
KARACHI, Mar 16 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah, presiding over a high-level meeting, has in principle approved a comprehensive Rs100 billion master plan including a Rs 50 billion grant from the Sindh government to transform Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK), marking a major step in overhauling the provincial capital’s healthcare infrastructure while work is set to begin immediately on the Abdul Sattar Edhi Medical Tower.
The ambitious project, backed by a provincial government fund of Rs 50 billion, aims to double the hospital’s footprint while preserving its historical legacy.
The meeting, held at CM House, was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, reflecting a collaborative approach between the government and civil society.
Participants included Minister Health Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, Chairman P&D Najam Shah, Secretary Finance Fayaz Jatoi, Secretary Health Tahir Sangi and Secretary to the CM Asif Jameel, MS Civil Hospital Dr Khalid Bukhari and Director Dr Dabeer. Prominent Philanthropists Faisal Edhi, Mushtaq Chhapra, Dr Saad Khalid Niaz, and Shahid Abdullah.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the goal is to modernise the facility into a world-class healthcare hub. The expansion includes that the hospital, currently housing 2,142 beds, will add 500 new beds.
The hospital’s total area will expand considerably. Modern vertical towers will replace dilapidated structures and underutilised open spaces. These will house a dedicated medical tower and surgical Ward, a new OPD, Burns Ward, Jail Ward, modern mortuary and waste management systems, administrative blocks and specialised hostels for Nurses and Doctors.
The CM Murad Shah made it clear that while the hospital moves forward, its past will not be forgotten. “I will completely restore the heritage building,” he stated, ensuring that historical structures are protected amidst the new construction.
To tackle the chronic traffic congestion around the facility, the plan includes road widening. Both Yakoob Khan Road and Bezanji Road, which border the hospital, will be widened to ensure smooth ambulance access and ease patient transport.
“We want to modernise the Civil Hospital building while ensuring the heritage structures are protected, and the surrounding access roads are widened for the public’s convenience,” Murad Shah said.
The ambitious project, funded by the provincial government, aims to double the hospital’s footprint while preserving its historical legacy, the chief minister said.
The chief minister emphasised that the goal is to modernise CHK into a world-class healthcare hub. The expansion includes:
The hospital, which currently has 2,142 beds, will add 500 new beds. The hospital’s total area will expand from 835,095 square metres to 1,709,259 square metres. Dilapidated structures and underutilised open spaces will be replaced with modern vertical towers.
These will house a dedicated Medical Tower and Surgical Ward. o New OPD, Burns Ward, and Jail Ward. Modern mortuary and waste management systems. Administrative blocks and specialised hostels for nurses and doctors.
Shah said that while the hospital is being modernised, its historical character will be safeguarded. “I will completely restore the heritage building,” he stated, assuring that historical structures will be protected amidst the new construction.
The meeting decided that a board comprising professionals from the public and private sectors will be appointed to oversee and expedite the project’s implementation.
