Phased revamp planned for Benazir Bhutto General Hospital

RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government has decided to carry out a phased reconstruction of the ageing premises of Rawalpindi General Hospital, now called Benazir Bhutto General Hospital, while also renovating sections of the facility that are still structurally sound.

According to officials, the hospital was established in 1957 and was renamed in 2008 after former prime minister Benazir Bhutto. The facility currently has 968 beds. Although the building has undergone repair and renovation several times in the past, concerns increased after a large volume of water collected in the basement of the outpatient department building and caused structural damage.

During a video-link meeting, Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique directed officials to start planning for the demolition of old and unsafe portions of the hospital, while excluding newer structures from demolition. He instructed that the outdated sections be replaced with modern facilities under a broader redevelopment plan, and said the remaining buildings should also be revamped.

Expansion proposal under review

Officials informed the minister that a proposed Surgical Tower at the site of the existing administration block and a Medical Tower at the OPD block could help ease pressure on the hospital. They added that the plan could also create room for a large parking area and a trauma centre. With expansion and better planning, the hospital’s current capacity of 968 beds could also be raised.

The development follows the completion of a Rs3.6 billion revamping project at Holy Family Hospital, described as Rawalpindi’s largest healthcare facility.

Budget gap and liabilities

Benazir Bhutto General Hospital is also facing a significant financial shortfall for the fiscal year 2025-26. Hospital records show that the institution sought Rs2.493 billion, but by the final stage of the fiscal year, only Rs892.12 million had been released, leaving a gap of Rs1.601 billion.

Despite the funding constraints, the hospital continues to provide free medicines and laboratory tests in the emergency department, OPD, wards and operation theatres. At the same time, it has outstanding liabilities of Rs1.112 billion under the heads of medicines, gases and disposable items.

Officials said the hospital is also dealing with a Rs1.601 billion shortfall against its requested allocation for medical and laboratory equipment and other operational needs.