ISLAMABAD: The federal government has announced the construction of a 200-bed hospital in Tharparkar, aiming to enhance medical infrastructure in one of Sindh’s most underserved regions. The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination has formally written to the Chief Secretary Sindh, signaling the urgency of initiating the project in 2025.
This hospital was originally promised by the Prime Minister during his 2023 visit to Thar, and the government is now taking concrete steps toward fulfilling this commitment.
Sindh Government's Role & Project Cost
The federal government has asked the Sindh government to:
- Allocate land for the hospital at a suitable location.
- Prepare a feasibility study and a Project Concept (PC-I) document for the hospital’s construction.
Once completed, the federal government will transfer the hospital’s management to the Sindh government, which will be responsible for hiring medical staff and running the facility. The project’s estimated cost exceeds Rs 1.5 billion, with state-of-the-art medical services, including MRI and CT scan facilities.
Current Healthcare Challenges in Tharparkar
Tharparkar faces severe healthcare shortages, with existing medical facilities covering only 54% of the population’s needs. The total bed capacity in the district is just 6% of the required number, forcing residents to seek treatment in distant cities. Additionally, 87% of childbirths take place at home, highlighting the urgent need for better maternal and emergency care facilities.