Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the provincial government to establish formal filter clinics in three major government hospitals in Rawalpindi to introduce a quick-response healthcare system.
The filter clinics will be set up at Holy Family Hospital, Benazir Bhutto General Hospital, and Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital.
The initiative follows the PIMS Hospital model and aims to reduce the direct burden on emergency rooms and outpatient departments (OPDs) while ensuring timely, improved treatment for patients.
According to officials, establishing filter clinics will help manage patient flow more effectively. A large number of patients visiting these hospitals will receive initial assessment and necessary treatment at the filter clinics and may be discharged if appropriate.
Patients requiring specialized care will be referred to the relevant departments, including emergency and OPD units.
A formal request for funds covering construction of buildings, waiting areas, and required medical equipment has been sent to the Punjab government.
The Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Department is preparing to submit a summary to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for approval. The summary will include details related to funding, building designs, and the appointment of specialist doctors and supporting staff for each department.
Holy Family Hospital, the largest hospital in Rawalpindi, has a capacity of 1,052 beds and 25 operational theaters. The hospital recently underwent a major revamp costing Rs. 3.60 billion.
In addition, the Punjab government has approved Rs. 400 million for surgical equipment for its 25 operating theaters. A further request of Rs. 500 million has now been submitted for the construction of filter clinic buildings, waiting areas, and necessary equipment at Holy Family Hospital.
Similar funding is being sought for Benazir Bhutto General Hospital and Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital, and work related to the project has already begun.
Officials say the introduction of filter clinics will improve healthcare management through a quicker response system and ensure better treatment facilities for patients across Rawalpindi’s major public hospitals.
