Bilawal Zardari inaugurates JPMC Surgical Complex

KARACHI: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of Pakistan People's Party (PPP), had said that the Government of Sindh had revolutionised the healthcare system in the province. 

He added that the PPP aims at ensuring people have full access to the free of cost healthcare facilities. 

He expressed that the PPP, as per its commitment, enhanced the JPMC, the most extensive tertiary care and postgraduate health facility, by setting up a 500-bed surgical complex with 18 state-of-the-art operating theatres that would benefit the populous more diligently. 

He told this while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the 500-bed 'Surgical Complex at the JPMC. This newly opened 'Surgical Complex' carries 18 state-of-the-art operation theatres. 

Bilawal Zardari articulated that Karachi is playing a leading role in the upliftment of health infrastructure. This advancement in the health sector is par excellence for Karachi, Pakistan, and the world.  

He was of the view that consistent struggle with a particular aim makes things emerge in a tangible form, such as the 'JPMC Surgical Complex'. 

He said the 'JPMC Surgical Complex' is another example of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) success, which reminds us of the great initiative conceived and substantiated by Benazir Bhutto. She had envisioned this while keeping the welfare of the masses in the manifesto of the 1993 general elections. 

He further said that the Sindh government has proved that achievements can be made in various sectors under the public-private partnership, including health, education, and energy. 

In its analysis on the public-private partnership model in the region, Bilawal Zardari said that the Economist Magazine cited Sindh province in particular as one of the best among six provinces where tangible progress is ensured. 

He said the reason for this achievement is due to political ownership. Despite retrenched resources, the Sindh government has performed diligently. 

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the 'JPMC Surgical Complex' consisting of 500 beds and 18 state-of-the-art operating theatres is a great addition to the public healthcare system for Karachi.  

He said, "I am proud the JPMC is catering to the needs of the people across the board. Every Pakistani who comes here is being treated with dignity, and they are not asked how much money they have. Nor are they are asked about where they come from and what language they speak. The doors of the JPMC are open to every Pakistani." 

Bilawal Zardari further elaborated that he wanted health facilities across the province to provide world-class, free-of-cost medical facilities. 

He admitted the struggle of the staffers and the cooperation of the general public. He said, "You are raising funds for this hospital on your own, and the way different citizens have contributed is commendable.  

He pointed out that when he last visited this giant health facility, the JPMC, there was one 'Cyberknife' machine at that time, but now there are two machines through which cancer patients are being treated absolutely free of cost. Apparently, there is an urgent need for the government to invest in the public healthcare sector. Nonetheless, the government alone can't do all while a lot of work can be done under public-private partnership." 

He also lauded Dr Adeeb Rizvi for his excellent performance. The way the Sindh government has worked in partnership with the SIUT has resulted in improvements in Karachi and access to far-flung areas that were previously unimaginable. 

He said that NICVD is a world-class hospital where every Pakistani is treated for free. This is why it has now become a Hallmark of Sindh. The NICVD in 2014-15 was in a different position. Today, almost all the districts of Sindh have free cardiology treatment centres run by the Sindh government. 

He added that the NICH for the treatment of pediatric diseases is also an excellent example of a public-private partnership that provides accessible treatment facilities in partnership with the Child Life Foundation.  

He asked whether the PPP does not invest in Karachi? The PPP's governance is constantly criticised, but the answer to all these questions is in the upliftment of the JPMC.  He asserted a revolution has begun in the healthcare system of Sindh. He appealed to the people of Karachi to support the PPP. We want to bring the institutions of the whole province and the country to the same level where Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center stands today. We want our citizens to have access to medical care at their doorsteps.