THE Sindh government has approved a major health improvement plan (2025-29) for the province, including the much-awaited construction of two medical and surgical towers at Civil Hospital, Karachi (CHK). The idea was first floated in 1995 by Prof Shafi Muhammad Qureshi, the then provincial health secretary.

Later, in 2001, in my capacity as the medical superintendent (MS) of CHK, I presented the idea with further elaborations, suggesting that there should actually be several towers, not just two. I had proposed that an area of about two square kilometres be acquired on Super Highway, as there was no space in and around the CHK for such an expansion.

The project, it was proposed, should be able to cater to the health needs of 30 million people, with each multi-storeyed tower working as an independent, self-sufficient unit. At least 10 buses and an equal number of ambulances should be provided for the transportation of patients from different parts of the city to the facility and this should be free of charge.

At present, the CHK — with 1,900 beds, 69 wards and 32 operation theatres — is functioning way beyond its capacity. Massive land encroachment around the hospital has restricted patients’ access to the facilities and has hampered plans for its upgradation. Its drainage system is outdated, and there is no space for expansion. It cannot afford any tower or further infrastructural burden. It is, therefore, suggested that before launching the project, the suggestions already there in the files may be given due consideration.

Dr Fateh M. Khan
Ex-Director General, Health, Sindh
Hyderabad

Published in Dawn, April 8th, 2025