KARACHI: The Sindh government has approved the construction of a new 13-storey medical tower at the National Institute of Child Health (NICH), with the proposed facility set to add 445 beds to the children’s healthcare infrastructure in Karachi.
The Bilquis & Abdul Sattar Edhi Medical Tower will be developed at an estimated cost of $17 million through a public-private partnership involving the Sindh government and the Abdul Sattar Edhi Foundation.
Under the approved financing arrangement, the Abdul Sattar Edhi Foundation will contribute $10 million toward the project, while the Sindh government will provide $7 million as grant-in-aid.
The provincial contribution will be released in two equal installments over the 2026-27 and 2027-28 financial years, according to the approved plan.
Project Oversight Committee
The project received approval during a Sindh cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah. The cabinet also approved the formation of a supervisory committee to monitor the development and financial management of the medical tower.
The committee will be headed by Faisal Edhi and will oversee implementation, including the use of funds contributed by the provincial government. It will also be responsible for maintaining financial oversight during the execution of the project.
Expansion of Children’s Healthcare Capacity
The proposed 13-storey tower is expected to expand NICH’s capacity through additional beds and medical facilities. The project also represents a partnership between the provincial government and a private philanthropic organization to support healthcare infrastructure.
The release of the government’s funding in phases will align public-sector financial support with the project’s implementation period. Further details regarding the construction schedule, individual medical departments, and completion timeline have not been disclosed.
Once developed, the Edhi Medical Tower will add to the healthcare infrastructure available at NICH and could increase the institute’s capacity to accommodate pediatric patients in Karachi and surrounding areas.
