Ahsan wants project done within three years
Pre-bid qualifications for construction companies in the works

ISLAMABAD: The master plan of the Jinnah Medical Complex (JMC), a state-of-the-art healthcare project, has been prepared, and pre-bid qualifications for construction companies are being finalised by the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

Sources said that Agha Khan University (AKU) through their international consultants, got the master plan of the JMC prepared, and now they would get the concept design of the project finalised by their consultants. The AKU is assisting the government free of charge.

The multi-billion project is funded by the federal government and will be executed by the CDA. According to the planning commission, the project will be completed with an estimated cost of Rs120 billion.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Jinnah Medical Complex was performed by the prime minister on July 21, 2024.

On Thursday, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal chaired a high-level meeting to review the progress of the project. The meeting was attended by Minister of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSRC) Dr Nadeem Jan, Health Coordinator Dr Mukhtar and other officials.

The meeting was informed that the master plan for this landmark project included a Centre of Excellence, Diagnostic and Treatment Podium, student housing, academic podium, academic and research towers, physical plant, grid station, auditorium, mosque, emergency department, and a hotel to cater to the needs of medical tourism and patients.

During the meeting, the planning minister stressed the importance of completing the project within a three-year timeframe set for its development. He highlighted the necessity of a stringent selection process for hiring qualified staff and credible contractors to ensure the project’s successful completion.

The minister directed that the project be executed under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode rather than through regular budgeting.

The government has allocated Rs5 billion for the fiscal year 2024-2025 under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) to kickstart the project. The CDA has earmarked 200 kanal for the JMC in Sector H-16.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Iqbal highlighted that the project’s strategic location in Islamabad, near the airport and national highways, made it an ideal hub for regional and international medical tourism. A steering committee has been established to oversee the project’s progress and ensure that all timelines and milestones are met.

He said the JMC must incorporate green design principles, ensuring that it stands as a sustainable and environmentally friendly structure. The proposed health complex is envisioned as a monumental project for the capital city, featuring a self-contained vertical health tower with comprehensive medical services.

To further enrich the project, the minister instructed the inclusion of vice chancellors from two prominent Pakistani medical universities to provide their expertise. Regular consultative sessions will be held to track progress and ensure the smooth execution of activities, thereby guaranteeing the successful implementation of the project.

Meanwhile, sources said that in response to CDA’s tender, seven companies, three Chinese and four Pakistanis, have applied for the pre-qualification process. These include China Construction 3rd Engineering Bureau Group, China Ghansu International Economics and Technical Company, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, Principal Builders, Zahir Khan and brothers, AGS Traders, and Yousuf and Sons. Sources said the CDA had also called bids for hiring a consultant for the engineering design of the project. Subsequently, the civic agency will finalise PC-I before calling tenders for construction.

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2024