In a welcome initiative, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has green‑lit the construction of a dedicated children’s hospital in Bahawalpur, marking a significant milestone in the province’s development agenda. The decision forms part of the comprehensive Regional Development Plan, aimed at bolstering healthcare services across underserved areas of South Punjab.

Why Bahawalpur Needs a Children’s Hospital

Bahawalpur, despite being a major city in South Punjab, has historically lacked specialized pediatric care. Families often travel to Lahore or Multan for complex treatments, burdening both time and finances. The absence of a standalone children’s hospital has left a gap in neonatal care, child-specific diagnostics, and emergency services tailored to younger patients. The new hospital aims to fill this void and dramatically improve child health outcomes.

Land Allocation and Financial Commitment

The provincial government has allocated five acres for the hospital site, strategically situated to ensure city-wide access. Alongside land provision, the development plan earmarks substantial funding for facility construction, medical equipment, staffing, and support systems. A transparent spending framework will be implemented to ensure efficient release of funds and diligent budget monitoring throughout construction and operations.

Facility Design and Service Offerings

The Bahawalpur Children’s Hospital is expected to include:

  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
  • Departments for general pediatrics, surgical treatments, child neurology, cancer diagnostics, and physiotherapy
  • Diagnostic labs, imaging services, and a 24/7 emergency department for pediatric cases
  • Outreach clinics in rural areas and mobile health units for patient follow-up and preventative care

These services are aimed at reducing mortality and morbidity in children by bringing quality healthcare closer to home.

Employment and Skill Development

The hospital project is set to generate jobs in two major phases:

  1. Construction Phase: employment for local builders, technicians, and support staff
  2. Operational Level: recruitment of healthcare professionals pediatricians, nurses, lab technicians as well as administrative and management staff

In addition, the hospital plans to offer training and internship programs for local medical graduates, enriching the regional talent pool and ensuring sustainable operation.

Integration into Provincial Health Strategy

The Children’s Hospital aligns with Punjab’s broader healthcare upgrade initiatives, including the E‑Taxi Scheme and new general hospitals. It strengthens the public health infrastructure designed to make advanced services accessible in South Punjab, reducing pressure on Lahore and other major centres.

The project’s implementation is set to be overseen by a multi-stakeholder steering committee, including health ministry officials, the CM’s office, local administrative leadership, and professional advisors.

Timeline and Next Steps

Development milestones include:

  • Site survey and architectural planning in the coming months
  • Construction commencement within this fiscal year
  • Completion and operational launch projected in 18–24 months

Procurement will follow strict tendering rules to ensure service quality and accountability. Public oversight forums will provide progress updates and feedback to ensure community engagement and transparency.

Conclusion: A Transformative Step for Child Health

The approved Children’s Hospital in Bahawalpur marks a pivotal investment in the province’s healthcare future. By integrating advanced pediatric services, local job creation, and medical training opportunities, the project promises to transform child health outcomes in South Punjab. If executed as planned, it will stand as a model for how targeted development can elevate overall public well-being.