By Dr. Ali Faran Razi
For many years, the health sector in Sindh faced tremendous pressure. Rapid urban expansion, a growing population, and aging infrastructure had created a system constantly struggling to keep pace with rising needs. Yet, in recent years, the Sindh Government has made a noticeable and meaningful push to strengthen its healthcare framework. Challenges continue to exist, but the overall direction has been encouraging. This column highlights the positive work shaping Sindh’s public health landscape today.
One of the most prominent achievements is the upgradation of public hospitals across the province. From Karachi to interior Sindh, several key institutions have undergone remarkable improvements. The Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences stands as a strong example. Under government support, it has evolved into one of Pakistan’s leading medical facilities. Whether liver transplants or kidney treatments, thousands of patients receive world-class care without financial burden. Similarly, the extensive network of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) now reaches nearly every major city of Sindh. Cardiac care is among the costliest treatments in Pakistan, yet NICVD—completely free of charge—has brought relief to countless families.
In Karachi, major public hospitals such as Jinnah Hospital, Civil Hospital, and Lyari General Hospital have benefitted from modern equipment, improved trauma centers, upgraded emergency units, and better laboratory facilities. The Burns Ward and Trauma Center at Civil Hospital, in particular, has gained national recognition for its quality. These improvements reflect years of consistent investment and administrative focus.
Interior Sindh, often left behind in the past, has also seen substantial attention. District headquarters hospitals have been strengthened with new OPDs, dialysis units, child emergency departments, and laboratory services. Mobile health units have taken essential care into remote areas, ensuring that underserved populations are not left out. The government has also continued hiring doctors and nursing staff, helping fill long-standing gaps in human resources.
At the policy level, the Sindh Government has increased the provincial health budget, expanded public–private partnerships, supported hospital autonomy, and focused on raising the standard of medical education. Several major facilities now enjoy administrative independence, allowing quicker decision-making and more patient-centered operations. The expansion of medical colleges and training programs has also strengthened the pipeline of new healthcare professionals.
The COVID-19 years marked a turning point. Sindh’s response—especially in testing, vaccination, and public communication—was widely acknowledged as one of the most organized in Pakistan. That experience reshaped long-term planning, encouraging the province to treat healthcare investment not as a one-time emergency response but as a sustained priority.
Another significant contribution is the availability of free medicines and treatment for complex illnesses. From cancer drugs to cardiac procedures and liver transplants, several government-supported institutions are offering care that would otherwise be far beyond the reach of low-income patients. NICVD, Gambat, and other centers have become symbols of accessible and compassionate healthcare.
Of course, the system is not without its shortcomings. Some hospitals still struggle with staffing shortages, outdated equipment, or rising patient loads. But the encouraging part is that progress has not stalled. The government continues to expand facilities, allocate higher funds, and introduce new programs that aim to correct the gaps.
Sindh is large, diverse, and demographically complex. Building a fully modern health system cannot happen overnight. Yet, the direction is positive. The foundation being laid today—through strengthened hospitals, wider access, trained staff, and long-term planning—has the potential to transform healthcare in the province in the coming years.
The Sindh Government’s ongoing work reflects a clear commitment: to deliver reliable, accessible, and humane healthcare to its people. And for the first time in many years, that commitment feels visible, measurable, and genuinely hopeful.
