RAWALPINDI: Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Salman Ghani has ordered making the Children Hospital at Asghar Mall operational by the end of the current fiscal year.

He issued the direction while chairing a review meeting on the under-construction hospital.

He said that, in line with the chief minister’s vision of timely completion of public health projects, the hospital had been targeted for completion and operationalisation during the current financial year.

The commissioner was briefed on the progress of work and was informed that the project started in April 2026 stands at the overall physical progress of 34 per cent, while 80 per cent civil works had been completed.

Similarly, 80 per cent of work on the HVAC system, pumps, AHUs and ducting had also been completed, while 90 per cent of electrical work and biogas systems had been completed. The project also includes two tubewells and a rainwater harvesting system being provided by Wasa.

The meeting was further informed that, by ensuring adherence to the prescribed timelines, the hospital’s Outpatient Department (OPD) will be made operational by April 2027. The commissioner said that Rawalpindi urgently needs modern and specialised healthcare facilities for children.

Upon completion of the project, children from not only Rawalpindi but also the surrounding districts will have access to quality medical treatment under one roof, eliminating the need to travel to distant cities for specialised healthcare.

He stated that the project was initially designed as a 200-bed hospital; however, keeping public needs in view, its capacity had been enhanced to 400 beds. The hospital will be equipped with modern medical facilities, including advanced diagnostic and treatment services, particularly an MRI machine.

The commissioner directed the concerned departments to ensure the timely completion of all supporting infrastructure, including electricity, gas, water supply, sewerage, parking, access roads, fire safety arrangements, oxygen supply, IT network and other allied facilities, so that patients do not face any difficulties once the hospital becomes operational.

This meeting was attended by the Vice Chancellor Rawalpindi Medical University; Medical Superintendents of Benazir Bhutto Hospital and Holy Family Hospital; Director Development Syed Nizarat Ali Shah and heads of the concerned departments.

Published in Dawn, October 2nd, 2026