Pakistan’s First Public Cancer Hospital Begins at PIMS Construction
Pakistan has taken a historic step toward improving oncology care with the launch of its first-ever public cancer hospital, being constructed at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. This landmark project aims to transform cancer treatment accessibility for thousands of patients who currently depend largely on private facilities or overseas treatment options. With a total budget of Rs10.8 billion and an expected completion date of June 2025, the public cancer hospital marks a major milestone in Pakistan’s healthcare development.
A Long-Awaited Facility for Cancer Patients
The groundbreaking ceremony for the public cancer hospital at PIMS was held on Sunday, signaling the beginning of a project that health experts have called “urgently needed.” Cancer remains one of Pakistan’s most life-threatening diseases, with nearly 377,000 reported cases in 2023 and thousands of deaths due to late diagnosis and lack of specialized facilities. The absence of a fully dedicated, government-funded cancer hospital in the country has long burdened patients, especially those unable to afford private treatment.
The new 200-bed cancer hospital will address this gap by offering comprehensive, affordable cancer treatment through a modern, specialized setup under public-sector oversight. It will become one of the major healthcare expansions in Islamabad’s history.
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Key Features of the New Public Cancer Hospital
The upcoming public cancer hospital will comprise four floors and a 49,000-square-foot basement, equipped with advanced technology and fully staffed cancer-care departments. The facility will include:
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Outpatient Department (OPD)
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Full emergency services
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Male and female cancer wards
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Gynecology cancer ward
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Blood cancer ward
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Radiology department
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Pathology labs
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Oncosurgery units
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Medical oncology
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Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
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Cancer emergency care
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Genetics and cancer research unit
According to Project Director Dr. Ayesha Isani, the total project cost includes Rs3.4 billion for the hospital structure and Rs7.4 billion for advanced medical equipment, which will ensure that patients receive globally standard treatment.
Project History: Delays, Shelving, and Revival
The journey to establishing the first public cancer hospital has not been easy. The project was initially approved in February 2018, with the Ministry of Planning allocating funds for its launch. However, despite an initial allocation of Rs265 million during 2018–19, funds were not released, and the project was eventually shelved by the national task force on health.
The project was revived in 2022–23, with a renewed allocation of Rs250 million and restructuring into two phases:
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Phase-I: Civil and electrical works
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Phase-II: Procurement of medical equipment, hospital furniture, ambulances, and machinery
The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) approved the revised plan in February 2023, and the Public Works Department (PWD) began construction work in April 2023.
Dr. Ayesha noted that the building’s foundation includes provisions for future expansion, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Government Support and Political Backing
Health Minister Abdul Qadir Patel emphasized the importance of the public cancer hospital during the foundation stone ceremony. He said that the cost of cancer treatment is often “unbearably high” for Pakistani citizens, and the government aims to make advanced treatment accessible to all.
He also stated that when he took charge, PIMS was dealing with administrative challenges due to its attempted privatization by the previous government. After restoring PIMS’ original public status, the ministry focused on health reforms and infrastructure development.
The project also received strong support from Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, who said that the new public cancer hospital would fill a severe gap in Pakistan’s medical landscape.
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Expansion of Islamabad’s Healthcare Infrastructure
Alongside the cancer hospital, the government is launching several additional healthcare facilities to meet the city’s growing medical needs:
1. New 1,100-Bed Hospital in Islamabad’s I-11 Sector
Minister of State for National Health Services Mukhtar Ahmad Malik informed the National Assembly that the planning phase of this major facility is nearly complete. Groundbreaking is expected in April, and the hospital is anticipated to begin operations by August 2027.
2. Islamabad’s First Stroke Intervention Center
For the first time, the capital will have a fully operational public-sector stroke intervention center, enabling life-saving neurological support.
3. New 200-Bed Emergency Hospital
The building construction has been completed, and equipment procurement is underway. The facility is expected to be operational by June this year.
4. Another 200-Bed Cancer Hospital by 2026
The government aims to add yet another cancer hospital in Islamabad by June 2026, ensuring that cancer patients receive timely care without overcrowding.
5. Strengthening Primary Healthcare
The government plans to open eight new Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Community Health Centers (CHCs) this year as part of a stronger referral system. This will help ensure that tertiary hospitals like PIMS can focus on critical and emergency patients.
Addressing National Health Challenges
During the National Assembly session, the health minister revealed alarming statistics:
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Over 376,998 breast cancer cases reported in 2023
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25,796 deaths due to breast cancer alone
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Over 5,000 cervical cancer deaths each year
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Lack of a centralized national health data system
To address these issues, the government is considering linking NADRA ID numbers with individual medical records to create a unified national health database.
He also emphasized Pakistan’s need to shift from a “sick-care system” to a preventive healthcare model, addressing problems such as poor sanitation and lack of awareness.
The construction of the first public cancer hospital at PIMS marks a transformative moment in Pakistan’s fight against cancer. With advanced facilities, government support, and strategic expansion of Islamabad’s healthcare infrastructure, the country is finally moving toward making top-quality cancer treatment accessible to all citizens.
This new public cancer hospital will not only save countless lives but also strengthen Pakistan’s overall healthcare system for years to come.
