KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed the Health Department to expedite work on 16 major health projects across the province to ensure they are opened for public service within the current financial year. Chairing a high-level review meeting of the 2025–26 development portfolio at the CM House, Shah said that delays in life-saving health facilities would not be tolerated and ordered all departments to remove procedural and financial hurdles immediately.
The meeting was attended by Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, Planning and Development Minister Jam Khan Shoro, Works and Services Minister Haji Ali Hassan Zardari, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Chairman P&D Najam Shah, Secretary Finance Fayaz Jatoi, Secretary to CM Raheem Shaikh, Secretary Works & Services Nawaz Sohoo, Secretary Health Rehan Baloch and other senior officers.
The Health Department presented a detailed briefing on the Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2025–26, comprising 178 schemes — including 140 ongoing and 38 new projects — with a total allocation of Rs 45.37 billion. Officials reported a 21 per cent utilisation of funds up to November 17, 2025.
NICVD Paediatric Cardiac Unit:
The CM began the review with the NICVD Paediatric Cardiac Unit, where a revised PC-I of Rs 9.924 billion has been submitted. The PDWP meeting has already been held, and the summary is awaiting CM’s approval. Calling it a life-saving facility, Shah ordered immediate finalisation, stating that cost escalation must not delay progress.
50-Bed Hospital at Federal B Area:
The Chief Minister was informed that construction of the 50-bed hospital in Block-13, Ancholi, Gulberg Town, is fully complete. Shah said he has already released Rs 148.196 million in remaining funds and directed procurement to be carried out on fast track so the facility can be made functional during the current financial year.
Medical Complex Razakabad:
The Medical Complex at Razakabad on National Highway requires an additional Rs 3.082 billion. Shah directed the Finance Department to release funds allocated under FY 2025–26 so construction continues without interruption.
Gulshan-e-Hadeed and Kamal Goth Hospitals:
Work on the 50-bed hospital in Gulshan-e-Hadeed, Malir, is progressing with procurement underway. The CM was assured it would be completed during FY 2025–26.
Similarly, the upgradation of the Kamal Khan Goth maternity home into a 50-bed hospital has been fully funded. Shah instructed that procurement be accelerated and set the next fiscal year as the completion target.
Amputation-Free Sindh Initiative:
The Chief Minister praised the establishment of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Departments at the SMBB Trauma Centre under the “Amputation-Free Sindh” initiative. With 100 per cent funds utilised, he termed it a major step forward in trauma and limb-salvage care.
Civil Hospital Karachi:
A new Radiology Department has been planned for Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi. The PC-I has been prepared and pre-PDWP meeting completed. Shah ordered the department to expedite final approvals and also emphasised the urgency of reconstructing the hospital’s Emergency Unit due to its high patient load.
Saudabad Psychiatry & Emergency Unit:
On the revised scheme for the Sindh Government Hospital Saudabad Psychiatry and Emergency Unit, officials said an NOC had been issued and Rs 55.686 million was needed through re-appropriation. Procurement has begun and work orders issued. Shah directed its completion within the current financial year.
Daulatpur Accident & Emergency Centre:
The Accident and Emergency Centre at Daulatpur in Shaheed Benazirabad District has received 100 per cent of allocated funds and procurement is in progress. The CM was informed that a new Tehsil Headquarters Hospital at Ghorabari has also received funds and procurement must now be initiated for completion next year.
Modular Operating Theatres:
Progress on establishing modular operating theatres across five major hospitals — Civil Hospital Karachi, Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad, CMC Hospital Larkana, Institute of Mother & Child Health Nawabshah and GMMC Hospital Sukkur — was reviewed. All projects are on schedule for completion in FY 2025–26.
Upgradation of RHC Garhi Khuda Bux:
The Rural Health Centre at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh Bhutto is being upgraded into a 50-bed hospital. Funds have been fully released and procurement is underway with completion expected during FY 2025–26.
DHQs & THQ Upgradations:
Expansion and improvement works at District Headquarters Hospitals in Khairpur, Badin and Shikarpur are progressing and slated for completion in the upcoming fiscal year. The upgradation of Tehsil Headquarters Hospitals in Matiari, Kamber and Umerkot to DHQ level was also reviewed, with officials reporting steady progress.
600-Bed Hospital Larkana:
A major highlight was the construction of a new 600-bed hospital in Larkana. The PDWP has approved the PC-I, and the CM has signed the summary, forwarding it to Finance and P&D. Shah directed immediate mobilisation of a Project Director, saying, “This is a major investment in upper Sindh’s healthcare — no delays will be tolerated.”
Review of LTBC and SDG Schemes:
The meeting further examined Likely To Be Completed (LTBC) projects, new ADP schemes and SDG block projects. Of 56 LTBC schemes, procurement has begun on 53, with documentation for PC-I and PC-IV under process.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah stressed that public health infrastructure must remain a top priority and instructed all departments to ensure that flagship health projects are completed and made operational within the ongoing financial year.
