Pakistan-China Friendship Hospital Reopens in Islamabad

The hospital, donated by the Chinese government and people, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, the state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported on Thursday.

The hospital will be managed through outsourcing to ensure quality healthcare services, and the government will cover all medical expenses for patients.

Prime Minister Sharif expressed regret that the hospital had remained closed since 2020, despite being helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic, and apologized to the Chinese ambassador for the delay.

The hospital will provide free medical services to patients from Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal stated that the hospital will operate under a public-private partnership, ensuring a sustainable system beyond the government's tenure.

The Minister highlighted that over 3,000 beds have been added to public hospitals in the past 16 to 18 months, and 15 private hospitals have joined the Prime Minister's Sehat Card panel, adding over 2,600 beds to the system.

A new 176-bed trauma center and a 200-bed cancer hospital have been established at PIMS, with the cancer hospital set to become operational next year.

Background

The Pakistan-China Friendship Hospital is a symbol of the strong bilateral ties between Pakistan and China, reflecting their shared goals and destiny.

The hospital's reopening is expected to improve healthcare services in Islamabad and surrounding areas, particularly for those who cannot afford medical treatment.

Healthcare in Pakistan

Pakistan's healthcare system faces significant challenges, including a shortage of medical facilities and equipment, particularly in rural areas.

The government's efforts to improve healthcare services, including the Prime Minister's Sehat Card initiative and the addition of beds to public hospitals, aim to address these challenges and provide better healthcare to citizens.