GUJRAT: An under-construction medical diagnostic centre being built as a collaboration between the local philanthropists and the district administration will likely become functional by the end of April.

The Rasheeda Shafi Foundation has been providing funds for the project since the construction was launched more than a year ago.

During a briefing by Imtiaz Kausar, the president of the foundation, Gujranwala Commissioner Naveed Haider Sheerazi was told that the estimated cost of the project including the civil work and installation of all the required machinery and equipment would require Rs450 million to Rs500 million and it was being generated through the regional business fraternity.

Gujrat Deputy Commissioner Nurulain Qureshi and others were also present on the occasion.

He said that at least Rs190 million had been spent on the construction of the five-storey building at a piece of land measuring 30 marlas donated by a local philanthropist, whereas the foundation had arranged a fundraising event prior to Ramazan.

The philanthropists announced to donate Rs200 million for the provision of latest medical equipment and the completion of the remaining civil work.

He said the Razia Khursheed Diagnostic Centre was located along the Mehmda Road in close proximity to the Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Teaching Hospital (ABSTH) as well as the other private hospitals.

Mr Kausar said that all kinds of medical tests would be done on a no profit no loss basis to facilitate the poor and ordinary citizens. He said the facility followed the foundation’s previous health projects in the city, including a trauma center at the ABSTH and installation of 175 water filtration plants in the city.

The commissioner said that the collection centers of the diagnostic center should also be established in Gujranwala and other major cities of the region and commended the Gujrat model of public private partnership projects.

The DC also praised the public welfare projects by the philanthropists in collaboration with the local administration.

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2026