In a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Sindh Asif Hyder Shah today, the provincial government pledged to upgrade emergency wards in public hospitals across Sindh, aiming to address the growing demand for quality healthcare services.
According to a statement issued from the Sindh Information Department, the meeting, held at the Chief Secretary’s office, was attended by senior health officials, including Health Secretary Rehan Iqbal Baloch, JPMC Executive Director Prof. Shahid Rasool, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Trauma Centre Executive Director Dr. Muhammad Sabir Memon, Dr. Ruth K.M. Pfau Civil Hospital Medical Superintendent Syed Khalid Bukhari, and Abbasi Shaheed Hospital Director Dr. Faisal Samdani, among others.
Shah emphasized the vision of Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to introduce people-centric health sector reforms. ‘The Sindh government is committed to improving the accessibility and efficiency of emergency healthcare services to meet the increasing demand across the province,’ he stated.
Presenting data from a recent survey, Shah revealed the staggering number of patients handled by emergency wards in major hospitals. Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) receives around 2,000 emergency cases daily, totalling nearly 60,000 monthly. Similarly, Dr. Ruth K.M. Pfau Civil Hospital treats 1,800 patients daily, with a monthly tally of 54,000.
The cumulative figures from Karachi’s major hospitals, including Sindh Government Lyari General Hospital and the Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Institute of Trauma, indicate that public hospitals in Sindh handle approximately 10,000 emergency patients daily, amounting to nearly 300,000 cases per month.
Acknowledging the immense pressure on healthcare facilities, Shah underscored the need for upgrading emergency wards in both urban and rural hospitals. He assured hospital administrators of the government’s full support in providing financial assistance, hiring skilled human resources, and procuring advanced medical equipment to meet the needs of these facilities.
The Chief Secretary directed administrators to submit detailed proposals outlining the requirements for upgrading their emergency wards. ‘We will ensure swift approvals to expedite the transformation of emergency healthcare services,’ he said.
Hospital Administrators’ Response
The hospital administrators welcomed the initiative, presenting recommendations tailored to their institutions’ specific needs. They emphasized the urgent requirement for modern infrastructure, enhanced staffing, and better resource allocation to improve patient outcomes in critical situations.
Reiterating the Sindh government’s commitment to public welfare, Shah said, ‘Our goal is to create a healthcare system that provides timely and high-quality medical attention, especially in emergencies. These upgrades will significantly enhance our capacity to serve the people of Sindh.’
The proposed reforms aim to bolster the province’s healthcare system, ensuring that citizens have access to reliable and efficient emergency services during critical times.