Briefing on ADP’s 178 schemes of Rs45.37bn: Sindh CM for speeding up work on 16 flagship healthcare projects

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, reviewing the development portfolio, directed the health department to speed up work on 16 flagship projects so that they could be opened for public service during the current financial year.

The CM presided over the review of 2025-26 at CM House, and was attended by included Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, Planning & Development Minister Jam Khan Shoro, Works & Services Minister Haji Ali Hassan Zardari, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Chairman P&D Najam Shah, Secretary Finance Fayaz Jatoi, Secretary to CM Raheem Shaikh, Secretary Works & Services Nawaz Sohoo, Secretary Health Rehan Baloch, and other officers.

The Health Department delivered a comprehensive briefing on the Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2025-26, which covers 178 schemes - 140 ongoing and 38 new - with an allocation of Rs45.37 billion.

Dr Azra Pechuho reported that allocations, releases, and expenditures had been closely monitored, with a 21 percent utilisation up to November 17, 2025. Detailed progress was shared on teaching hospitals, district hospitals, medical education, preventive programmes, and foreign-aided projects.

Fast-Tracking of 16 Flagship Health Projects:

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah reviewed progress on the province’s flagship health projects, directing all departments to accelerate work and ensure timely completion in the upcoming financial year. He emphasised that several of these schemes were critical, life-saving facilities and must not suffer delays due to procedural or financial bottlenecks.

NICVD’s Paediatric Cardiac Unit: The meeting began with a review of the Paediatric Cardiac Unit at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) Karachi, where the revised PC-I has been submitted for Rs9.924 billion. Officials briefed the Chief Minister that the PDWP meeting had already been held and the summary had been sent to the CM for approval of cost escalation. Shah instructed that the process be finalised without delay, remarking that this was a life-saving unit and “cost escalations should not slow us down - finalise it immediately.”

50-bedded hospital FB Area: The Chief Minister was informed that the 50-bedded hospital in Block-13 of Federal B Area, Ancholi, Gulberg Town, had seen its building fully completed. The CM said that he has released the remaining Rs148.196 million; therefore, procurement must be made on a fast track so that it can be completed during the current financial year.

Medical Complex Razakabad: The Medical Complex at the National Highway in Razzaqabad, Bin Qasim Town, which was revised in June 2025, required an additional Rs3.082 billion to complete the scheme. Murad Shah directed the finance department to release the required funds allocated during FY 2025–26 so construction could proceed without interruption.

Gulshan-e-Hadeed Hospital: Work on the 50-bedded hospital, Gulshan-e-Hadeed- Malir, is also progressing, with the project fully funded and procurement having begun. The Chief Minister was assured that the scheme would be completed during FY 2025–26.

Kamal Goth Maternity Home: The CM said that up-gradation of the maternity home at Kamal Khan Goth into a 50-bedded hospital has also been fully funded; therefore, procurement must be made on a fast track, and he slated the project for completion in the next fiscal year.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025