KARACHI: The Sindh government has allocated Rs395.16 billion for the health sector in its budget for fiscal year 2026-27, with the objective of strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services across the province.
According to budget documents, significant allocations have been made for major healthcare institutions, emergency services, and ongoing expansion projects.
The government has increased the budgetary allocation for the Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology (SICHN) from Rs6.68 billion in FY2025-26 to Rs7.18 billion in FY2026-27 to support the expansion of healthcare services.
For the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), an allocation of Rs12 billion has been proposed, including a one-time grant of Rs1 billion for the procurement of essential machinery and equipment to further strengthen cardiac care services.
The Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) has been allocated Rs1.25 billion. In addition, the provincial government has proposed grants for SIUT projects, including Rs1 billion for the establishment of an Oncology Block at Sukkur Phase-II, Rs1 billion for SIUT Trust Madyan Basheer Crawley Children Hospital, Rs1 billion for Mehrabpur Energy Centre, and Rs2 billion for SIUT Karachi during FY2026-27.
For the Sindh Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (SICVD), the government has earmarked Rs14 billion to support specialized cardiovascular healthcare services.
The Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), one of the largest public-sector tertiary care hospitals in the province, treated over 51,000 patients through comprehensive oncology services during FY2025-26. In addition to its regular budgetary allocation, JPMC will receive Rs50 million for histopathology and immunohistochemistry services, and Rs2.18 billion for procurement of equipment and utilities for the new 12-storey Emergency Tower.
The government has allocated Rs10 billion to the Pir Syed Abdul Qadir Shah Jeelani Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS), Gambat, to further expand healthcare services. Additionally, Rs1.8 billion has been earmarked for Gene Therapy for cancer treatment at the institute.
The Sindh Integrated Emergency and Health Services (SIEHS), which operates a province-wide ambulance network, has been allocated Rs5.218 billion for FY2026-27. The service has also deployed Rapid Response Bikes in densely populated urban areas to improve emergency response times.
For the Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Institute of Trauma (SMBBIT), the government has allocated Rs5.7 billion. During FY2025-26, the institute introduced enhanced services, including the first hybrid vascular operating room under the “Amputation Free Sindh” initiative, while also expanding rehabilitation and mental health services.
The Child Life Foundation, which operates under a public-private partnership model to modernize children’s emergency rooms in public hospitals, has been allocated Rs3.5 billion. The funding is aimed at reducing child mortality and strengthening emergency care services for children.
The Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN) has received a grant of Rs12 billion during FY2025-26. The hospital would further receive Rs8 in FY2026-27. Under its expansion plans, IHHN is set to introduce advanced services in adult oncology, neurosurgery, cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, psychiatry, and transplant medicine.
Among other allocations, the Sindh government has earmarked Rs300 million for the commissioning of an Angiographic Suite at the Kidney Centre, Karachi.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026