KARACHI, Feb 13: The first phase of the Rs5 billion Indus Hospital project in Korangi Town is likely to start in April.

Spread over 20 acres, the 700-bed hospital includes the previously constructed but unutilised Islamic Mission Hospital and a nursing school.

These structures are being extensively renovated as part of the project to be completed in five phases spanning 2005 to 2014.

The project-- a joint venture of the Islamic Mission Hospital Trust and the Rufaydah Foundation--aims at providing a free of charge modern tertiary care centre to the public.

“Every individual has the right to quality education and health care. With no sincere government initiative in place to alleviate the sufferings of the destitute, the lower income groups in our society have no share in quality education and health care. The Indus Hospital will provide quality medical care to the masses,” said Dr Abdul Bari, Chief Executive Officer, Indus Hospital.

The facility comprising 150-bed being built at a cost of Rs200 million in the first phase of the project will provide services in nephrology, urology, cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery, trauma and orthopedics, day-care oncology, plastic, reconstructive, general and paediatric surgeries.

The hospital faculty will comprise a team of local and expatriate professionals. Upon completion, the hospital will include 20 operation theatres with allied adult and paediatric intensive care units, daycare surgery centre, postgraduate clinical training and research facilities, diagnostic facilities, including radiology, pathology, blood bank, invasive and non-invasive cardiology laboratory, ambulance service, nursing school and hostel, residential facilities for essential staff and guests, support services including administrative offices, kitchens, cafeterias, laundry, storage and security, environment-friendly waste management system and parking area.

SURJANI TOWN: A 36-bed hospital has been completed in Surjani Town in a record time of two years with the provision for all major health-care specialties.