Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has given his official approval for the construction of a major new 600-bed hospital in Larkana. The decision, made during a high-level meeting on Friday, sets the stage for a significant upgrade to healthcare infrastructure in Upper Sindh.
Project Details and Phased Construction
The chief minister sanctioned the progress report, final design, scope, and financial framework for the ambitious project. Officials briefed that the hospital will be a six-storey facility with a basement, constructed in two distinct phases over two years. The total bed capacity will be 596, functioning as a 600-bed tertiary care hospital.
The plan outlines that Phase I will involve building the first tower, featuring 288 nursing-care beds, 92 emergency beds, and 48 intensive-care units. Phase II will add a second tower with 144 more nursing beds and 24 additional ICU beds. Upon full completion, the hospital will offer a combined capacity of 432 nursing beds, 92 ER beds, and 72 ICU beds.
Modern Facilities and Estimated Cost
CM Murad Ali Shah emphasized that the hospital is envisioned as a state-of-the-art facility. It will be equipped with comprehensive services including:
- Modern emergency and outpatient departments
- Radiology, dialysis, and laboratory units
- A blood bank and endoscopy suite
- Eight operating theaters and day-surgery units
- Specialized medical and surgical ICUs
- Rehabilitation services and administrative offices
The basement will house essential support services like kitchen, laundry, mortuary, and a medical gas plant. The ground floor will accommodate emergency triage, OPDs, pharmacy, and dialysis. The total estimated cost for civil works is approximately Rs3.108 billion, covering the main building, external development, and associated works.
Timeline and Directives for Implementation
The chief minister announced a clear timeline for the project. The groundbreaking ceremony is planned for March 2026. The first tower is scheduled for completion within one year, with the second tower finishing the following year, aiming for a total project duration of two years.
CM Shah stated that the project was initiated on the instructions of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, aligning with his vision to provide quality healthcare. He directed the Planning & Development and Health departments to ensure transparency, strict quality control, and timely execution. The meeting concluded with instructions to finalize all procedural requirements for the March 2026 launch.
The high-level meeting was attended by Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Chairman P&D Najam Shah, Finance Secretary Fayaz Jatoi, and Health Secretary Rehan Baloch, among others. The Commissioner of Larkana joined via video link.
