Punjab Approves Rs11.65 Billion for Two New Hospitals in Murree and Rawalpindi

Punjab has approved two new hospital projects with a combined cost of Rs11.65 billion, according to a development package cleared by the provincial government. The decision was taken during the 13th meeting of the Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP), which signed off on 11 projects worth a total of Rs126.668 billion.

The smaller of the two health schemes is a 50-bed hospital planned for Bhurban in Murree, which has been approved at a cost of Rs1.507 billion. Officials expect the facility to improve access to secondary-level care for residents and visitors in the hill station and surrounding areas, where demand for medical services rises sharply during peak tourist seasons.

The larger allocation is for a children's hospital in Rawalpindi, approved at Rs10.143 billion. The city currently relies on general and teaching hospitals for paediatric care, and the dedicated facility is intended to expand capacity for child health services in one of Punjab's most densely populated districts.

The health-sector approvals were among the 11 projects cleared at the PDWP meeting held on Friday. The working party reviews and approves development schemes before they move into the implementation phase, making its decisions a key indicator of where provincial funds will be directed in the coming months.

The package reflects a continued focus on public infrastructure and social services in Punjab, with health taking a substantial share of the total outlay. Further details on construction timelines and execution responsibilities are expected as the projects move forward.

The two hospitals add to a broader pipeline of provincial development spending, and their progress will be watched closely by residents of Rawalpindi and Murree who have long called for expanded healthcare facilities in their areas.