Healthcare expansion got Rs148b funding

Major boost for cardiac, kidney, trauma and child healthcare facilities

KARACHI:

The Sindh government has earmarked more than Rs148 billion for hospitals, specialised medical institutions and emergency health services in the 2026-27 budget. The funding package focuses on expanding access to quality treatment, upgrading critical care facilities and enhancing emergency response systems amid growing healthcare demands across the province.

According to budget documents, grants totaling Rs148.17 billion have been allocated to major healthcare institutions and medical centres.

The budget of the Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology has been increased from Rs6.68 billion to Rs7.18 billion. The institute has already established a 125-bed Mother and Child Hospital in Jamshoro, a paediatric surgical unit in Korangi and advanced neonatal and paediatric intensive care facilities in Larkana, while additional satellite centres are being developed.

The Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) has been allocated Rs26.25 billion, making it one of the largest recipients of healthcare funding. The government has also earmarked Rs1 billion for Phase-I of a new oncology block in Sukkur, Rs1 billion for the Maryam Bashir Dawood Children's Hospital, Rs1 billion for the Mehr-un-Nisa Energy Centre and an additional Rs2 billion for SIUT Karachi's expanding operations.

The National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) has received Rs12 billion, including Rs1 billion for the procurement of advanced medical equipment and machinery. Officials said the institute's new outpatient complex is currently serving approximately 46,000 patients every month. Meanwhile, the Sindh Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases has been allocated Rs14 billion to further strengthen specialised cardiac care services across the province.

The Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) will receive several additional grants beyond its regular budget. These include Rs50 million for free histopathology and immunohistochemistry services, Rs1 billion for the PAF-JPMC project and Rs2.18 billion for equipment and utility infrastructure at the hospital's new 12-storey emergency tower. A sum of Rs10 billion has been allocated to the Pir Syed Abdul Qadir Shah Jeelani Institute of Medical Sciences in Gambat, a leading centre for organ transplantation, medical education and advanced clinical research.

To strengthen emergency healthcare delivery, the Sindh Integrated Emergency and Health Services programme has been allocated Rs5.218 billion. The service operates a 24-hour ambulance network across the province and has expanded operations through rapid-response motorbike units in urban areas and boat ambulance services in coastal and riverine regions.

The Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Institute of Trauma has been allocated Rs5.7 billion. The government has also earmarked Rs500 million for a 50-bed Trauma and Emergency Response Centre at Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College Hospital in Sukkur, while a modern trauma centre and intensive care unit have already been established in Larkana.

The budget also prioritises primary healthcare, with plans to complete the construction and upgradation of Rural Health Centres and Taluka Hospitals in multiple districts. The public-private healthcare initiative PPHI has been allocated Rs24.7 billion to continue delivering essential medical services in underserved areas.