Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah stated that the newly inaugurated SIUT Trust Hospital Dialysis and Lithotripsy Centres embody the Sindh government’s unwavering commitment to providing quality healthcare as a fundamental right for all citizens.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony presided over by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who officially opened the Dr Syed Haroon Ahmad Dialysis Centre and Ms Zubeida Mustafa Lithotripsy Unit at Shahrah-e-Faisal, the CM congratulated the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) on this achievement. The event was attended by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho, Prof. Adib Rizvi, Shabbar Zaidi, philanthropists, and other dignitaries.
From hotel to hospital
Murad Shah noted the hospital’s unique location – formerly a commercial hotel – now transformed into a facility offering free treatment to everyone, without discrimination. He emphasised that SIUT’s services are accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status, religion, or geographic origin.
Murad Shah recounted how Dr Tariq Mahmood of JPMC originally suggested converting the former Taj Mahal Hotel into a hospital [expansion of JPMC]. When asked about funding, he expressed confidence in Dr Adib Rizvi’s ability to garner support, highlighting the close collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The SIUT hospital, now partially operational, includes the new Dialysis and Lithotripsy Centres. Mr Shah acknowledged Sindh’s ongoing support for the health sector and underscored that such achievements are only possible through effective public-private partnerships. He described SIUT as the “shining star” of this model and stated it operates as an institution of the Sindh government, following the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and President Asif Ali Zardari.
Murad Shah shared government investment figures, non-development health expenditures of Rs 343 billion (2025-26), and Development health expenditures at Rs 424 billion, during the current financial year.
Murad Shah also referenced other milestones, such as Dow University of Health Sciences’ growth and the transformation of NICVD into a premier facility under provincial management. The government provides approximately Rs. 23 billion annually to the network of NICVD and SICVD, thanking partners like Dr Faisal Bari of Indus Health Network for their support.
Highlighting the swift establishment of the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Shah invited private sector partnerships to further expand healthcare. He applauded Dr Adib Rizvi’s contribution -building SIUT from a small ward to the country’s largest medical network – and wished him good health and longevity.
The CM confirmed a government commitment of $15 million for the Jinnah Hospital Emergency Tower Project, contributing to a total cost of $35 million. The project, set for completion by 2029, will make Jinnah Hospital the region’s largest medical complex, with support from Faisal Edhi.
The chief minister reinforced the PPP’s core purpose: “We have to serve the people.” He highlighted the new Trust Hospital’s strategic location, benefiting patients from rural Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan with convenient access to advanced care.
He praised Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for his leadership in strengthening healthcare, reflecting the PPP’s dedication to expanding free medical services.
Recognising SIUT’s 50-year legacy of “Free with Dignity,” Murad Shah commended its growth from an eight-bed ward to a nationwide network treating over 35 million patients, all due to Prof. Dr Adib Rizvi’s revered contributions.
Dialysis Centre Features
The Dr Syed Haroon Ahmad Dialysis Centre houses 55 state-of-the-art hemodialysis machines (including one for intensive care), serving over 200 patients daily. The centre incorporates an advanced reverse osmosis (RO) system and seawater RO plant to conserve water, operated by a dedicated 100-member staff.
Lithotripsy Unit Features
The new Lithotripsy Unit will help address widespread kidney stones in Sindh and Punjab via a Swiss-made STORZ MEDICAL SLX-F2 FD21 ESWL machine, offering non-invasive, anaesthesia-free stone fragmentation with fluoroscopy and ultrasound guidance, expected to handle up to 12 procedures daily.
Murad Shah described the Trust Hospital as a beacon of hope that strengthens SIUT’s network, ensuring no patient is turned away for financial reasons. He reaffirmed the government’s full support for SIUT and honoured the humanitarian legacy of Prof. Dr Adib Rizvi.
The ceremony closed with gratitude to SIUT’s staff and supporters. “This is what a responsive government focused on people’s welfare looks like,” said the CM. “May SIUT Trust Hospital continue serving humanity for generations.”