Overview & Background
District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital, Rawalpindi, is one of the oldest and most prominent public-sector hospitals in Punjab, Pakistan. Established in 1950, it was designed to serve as the central hospital for the district, offering essential and specialized medical care to Rawalpindi city and surrounding rural areas. Over the decades, it has expanded into a teaching hospital affiliated with Rawalpindi Medical University, playing a key role in healthcare delivery, medical training, and emergency services in the twin cities region.
🏨 Departments & Key Services
- 24/7 Emergency Department handling trauma, medical, and surgical emergencies
- General Medicine and specialized internal medicine clinics
- General Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Urology, and Neurosurgery units
- Gynecology & Obstetrics department with labor rooms and maternity wards
- Pediatrics department including neonatal care services
- ENT, Ophthalmology, and Dental clinics
- Diagnostic services: modern X-ray, ultrasound, pathology labs, and limited CT facilities
- Dialysis Unit, ICU, CCU, and post-operative recovery wards
- Physiotherapy, vaccination, and preventive health programs
🏗️ Facilities & Infrastructure
Over recent years, DHQ Hospital Rawalpindi has undergone various upgrades to improve service delivery and infrastructure:
- Modernized emergency department with separate triage and observation zones
- Renovated OPD and specialty clinics to manage high patient volumes
- Upgraded surgical theaters equipped for common and emergency procedures
- Dedicated maternity complex with neonatal support
- Improved waiting areas, electronic patient registration counters, and basic pharmacy services
- Wheelchair access and improved sanitation facilities for patients and visitors
🎓 Academic & Teaching Role
As an affiliated teaching hospital of Rawalpindi Medical University, DHQ Hospital plays a vital role in clinical education and postgraduate training. It hosts:
- Clinical rotations for MBBS students in medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and allied specialties
- House job opportunities for fresh medical graduates
- FCPS, MCPS, and MD residency programs in selected specialties
- Skill-building workshops, seminars, and CME sessions for healthcare staff
📊 Patient Volume & Community Impact
DHQ Hospital Rawalpindi manages thousands of patients daily, including emergency cases, surgical admissions, and outpatient visits. It acts as a first-line referral hospital for primary and rural health centers across Rawalpindi district, as well as parts of Islamabad and northern Punjab, delivering essential care to underprivileged populations who rely on affordable or free public healthcare services.
💳 Patient Services & Accessibility
- Walk-in emergency care available 24/7 without prior appointment
- Scheduled OPD and specialist clinic visits during working hours
- Subsidized or free treatment for eligible patients under government health initiatives
- Low-cost laboratory tests and imaging services
- Inpatient care in medical, surgical, maternity, and pediatric wards
🕒 Timings & Location
- Emergency: Open 24/7
- Outpatient Clinics (OPD): Usually Monday–Saturday, 8 AM – 2 PM
- Specialty clinics: Operate on designated days (check hospital notice boards)
- Location: Hospital Road, adjacent to Liaquat Road, Rawalpindi city center
- Contact: Via hospital reception and administrative office for appointments or information
📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is DHQ Hospital Rawalpindi only for residents of Rawalpindi?
No. It serves patients from Rawalpindi, Islamabad, nearby rural areas, and sometimes patients referred from northern Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Does DHQ Hospital offer maternity and neonatal care?
Yes, it has dedicated gynecology, obstetrics, and pediatric wards including neonatal care units.
Can medical students and graduates train here?
Yes. The hospital offers clinical rotations for MBBS students, house jobs, and residency training in collaboration with Rawalpindi Medical University.
Do I need an appointment for emergency care?
No. Emergency services operate 24/7 for all walk-in patients without referral.
What are the OPD timings?
Typically from 8 AM to 2 PM, Monday to Saturday. Specialty clinics may have specific schedules.
Are surgeries performed at DHQ Hospital Rawalpindi?
Yes, common and emergency surgeries are carried out in upgraded operating theaters.
What are the charges?
Most essential services, emergency care, and basic treatment are offered at subsidized rates or free under government health policies. Some investigations and elective procedures may have nominal charges.
Does the hospital have ICU and dialysis services?
Yes, DHQ Hospital includes ICU, CCU, and dialysis facilities for critical and renal patients.
📝 Summary
District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital, Rawalpindi stands as a vital public healthcare institution providing affordable and accessible medical services, emergency care, maternity support, and specialist clinics to thousands daily. Beyond patient care, it plays a central role in medical training and skill development under Rawalpindi Medical University, supporting Pakistan’s health system at both community and teaching levels.