KARACHI: Sindh Government Services Hospital Karachi has resumed its routine operations at its longstanding premises near Jama Cloth Market on M.A. Jinnah Road following the Sindh High Court’s order suspending the hospital’s shifting.
The hospital, which serves provincial government employees, pensioners and their families, witnessed a large number of patients from different government departments on Thursday. Employees visited various departments of the hospital and availed themselves of consultation, diagnostic, treatment and pharmacy services.
The development follows the court’s interim suspension of a circular that sought to shift the hospital from its existing premises to space allotted at Sarfaraz Rafiqui Shaheed Hospital under the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation.
Speaking to media persons, several government employees expressed satisfaction over the resumption of services at the hospital’s traditional location. They said the existing facility was centrally located and easily accessible through multiple public transport routes for employees travelling from different parts of Karachi.
“The hospital has been serving government employees and their families for many years. Its present location is convenient, familiar and accessible, particularly for pensioners, women, children and patients requiring regular follow-up treatment,” the employees said.
They strongly opposed any attempt to relocate the hospital to a facility with limited space or inadequate infrastructure, arguing that such a move could disrupt treatment and create serious difficulties for thousands of beneficiaries.
The employees maintained that shifting an established healthcare institution without ensuring an equally accessible, properly equipped and fully functional alternative would adversely affect continuity of care. They said the hospital’s departments, medical records, diagnostic services, pharmacy and referral arrangements had been developed at the existing location over many years.
They urged Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho to withdraw the shifting decision permanently and take steps to strengthen the hospital at its present premises. They also called for the provision of additional medical specialists, medicines, diagnostic facilities, modern equipment and adequate staffing to improve patient care.
Government employees further demanded that all stakeholders and representatives of employees and pensioners be consulted before making any future decision concerning the hospital. They stressed that healthcare-related administrative decisions should be based on patients’ needs, accessibility and the public interest.
They also appealed to the Sindh government to ensure uninterrupted functioning of all hospital departments and prevent any administrative action that could create uncertainty among patients or healthcare workers.
The employees welcomed the court’s intervention, describing it as an important relief for thousands of serving and retired government employees and their dependent family members. They expressed hope that the provincial authorities would respect the court order and focus on upgrading the hospital instead of relocating it.
The Sindh High Court had suspended the operation of Circular No. SHK/-957 dated August 19, 2026, and issued notices to the respondents and the Advocate General Sindh. The matter remains pending before the court.
