New Healthcare Facilities Including Advanced
Units In Psychiatry, Neurology, And Cancer Treatment, Sindh Committed To Quality Healthcare
Staff Reporter
KARACHI: Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has taken another significant step toward enhancing healthcare in Sindh by inaugurating advanced medical facilities at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC). These new units include a 120-bed Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, a 110-bed Department of Neurology and Stroke Unit, and the cutting-edge CyberKnife S7-FIM. These developments underscore Sindh’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, free healthcare services.
Sindh Leads in Healthcare Innovation
According to a press release from the Media Cell Bilawal House, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari praised Sindh’s healthcare infrastructure during the inauguration ceremony. He noted that the province is home to the best hospitals in Pakistan, including JPMC, the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), and the National Institute of Child Health (NICH). Despite the prevalence of negative news about Pakistan, these institutions shine as symbols of hope, showcasing successful public-private partnerships and good governance under the provincial government.
PPP’s Commitment to Free Healthcare
Chairman Bilawal emphasized the provincial government’s achievements following the 18th Constitutional Amendment, particularly in healthcare. He highlighted the NICVD, which is recognized as the world’s largest heart hospital offering free treatment. Additionally, NICH provides free medical services for children, and JPMC’s CyberKnife machine, a revolutionary tool for cancer treatment, is one of only a few available globally. While cancer treatment using this machine costs over a thousand dollars abroad, JPMC offers it free of charge, making it a unique facility worldwide.
Global Recognition and Continued Support
The Royal College of Radiology ranks JPMC’s cancer treatment department among the top ten in the world. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari acknowledged the role of Sindh’s business community in partnering with the government to provide free healthcare and recognized them as leaders in charity work across the nation.
Contrasting Healthcare Approaches Across Provinces
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari contrasted Sindh’s healthcare model with other provinces, which prioritize private hospitals through health cards. He stated that the PPP and Sindh government take pride in offering free, quality healthcare services to the public. For instance, the PET-CT scan, essential for cancer diagnosis, is provided free of cost only in Sindh. JPMC’s cancer department attracts patients from 167 cities in Pakistan and 15 other countries.
Vision for Nationwide Healthcare Excellence
In his address to Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari proposed that during the Prime Minister’s next visit to Karachi, he should tour JPMC, NICVD, and NICH. He expressed his readiness to help establish similar hospitals in Punjab and mentioned ongoing efforts to set up such facilities in Balochistan. “We want similar hospitals in Lahore so that people there can also benefit from free treatment,” he added.
Signing Ceremony for Radiation Oncology Section
In addition to the inauguration, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari participated in a signing ceremony between the Patients’ Aid Foundation and the Sindh Government for the Radiation Oncology Section at JPMC. The event was attended by Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, other provincial ministers, assembly members, and party leaders.
