ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the relevant authorities to ensure the construction of Jinnah Medical Complex (JMC) meets global standards of specialised healthcare.

“Jinnah Medical Complex will be a world-class hospital providing medical treatment to patients from all four provinces, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan,” the prime minister said while chairing a review meeting on the project’s progress.

He emphasised the need for transparency and merit in both the construction process and staff recruitment for the hospital. He also instructed that third-party validation be ensured to maintain construction quality and transparency.

The prime minister directed the formulation of a comprehensive plan to strengthen primary and secondary healthcare systems in Islamabad in order to ease the burden on tertiary hospitals.

He lauded the services of Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI), noting that it had become a reliable source of treatment for patients. “Jinnah Medical Complex will be equipped with international-standard facilities and will even surpass PKLI in terms of services,” he remarked, stressing that all associated services, including janitorial work, should be outsourced strictly on merit.

During the meeting, the prime minister was briefed on the hospital’s concept design, board formation, land acquisition, and progress on the proposed adjacent commercial center.

It was informed that the concept design, land transfer, and board appointments were in their final stages, while geotechnical and social impact studies were underway to ensure the highest construction standards and maximise the hospital’s utility for residents of Islamabad and surrounding areas.

The meeting also reviewed timelines and targets for various initiatives linked to the project.

Federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Ahad Khan Cheema, Syed Mustafa Kamal, PM’s Coordinator for Health Dr Mukhtar Bharath, PKLI Chairman Professor Dr Saeed Akhtar, and other senior officials attended the meeting.

Published in Dawn, August 7th, 2025