The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP), located in Rawalpindi Cantonment, is Pakistan’s premier national reference laboratory. Operating under the Pakistan Army Medical Corps, AFIP provides advanced diagnostic and forensic services to military and civilian healthcare facilities across the country.
📍 Location & Accessibility
AFIP is situated within GHQ premises in Rawalpindi Cantonment, with secure access suitable for military personnel, civilian referrals, and forensic agencies. It operates throughout the week, with satellite sample pickup services from major hospitals nationwide.
🔬 Core Functions & Departments
- Anatomical Pathology: Tissue histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and frozen sections for surgical diagnoses.
- Clinical Pathology: Routine and specialized biochemical, hematological, immunological, and microbiological testing.
- Forensic Pathology: Medico-legal autopsies, crime scene sampling, toxicology, and forensic reporting.
- Molecular Diagnostics: PCR and advanced testing for infectious and genetic diseases.
- Blood Transfusion Services: Cross-matching, antibody screening, and quality control for national blood programs.
- Cytopathology: Pap smear, fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), and body fluid cytology.
🏥 Infrastructure & Capabilities
- State-of-the-art automated analyzers, digital slide scanners, and high-throughput PCR platforms.
- Accredited biosafety-level labs for handling infectious and forensic specimens.
- Secure cold chain and sample tracking for nationwide specimen transport.
- Integrated LIS (Laboratory Information System) with digital report delivery.
- Forensic examination suites with documentation and chain-of-custody protocols.
🎓 Training & Reference Role
AFIP serves as a postgraduate teaching and training centre, offering FCPS, MCPS, and diploma pathways in pathology and forensic medicine. It regularly hosts workshops, external quality assessments, and collaborative research with national academic institutes.
✅ Key Strengths & National Impact
- National Reference Lab: Sets benchmark standards in diagnostic quality and forensic accuracy.
- High Technical Expertise: Expert pathologists providing second opinions and subspecialty support.
- Comprehensive Coverage: From routine clinical diagnostics to advanced forensic analysis.
- Integrated Systems: Efficient workflows with sample tracking and digital reporting.
- Education & Quality Control: Key centre for training, audits, and proficiency testing.
⚠️ Challenges & Areas for Enhancement
- Growing workload may require additional automation and staffing in sub-specialties.
- Continuous upgrade and maintenance of high-end equipment are essential.
- Expansion of telepathology and remote reporting to support rural healthcare.
- Need for clearer protocols and public awareness regarding sample referrals and forensic liaison.
❓ FAQs – AFIP
Who can send samples to AFIP?
Military hospitals, civilian hospitals, and law enforcement agencies may refer samples for advanced diagnostics or forensic analysis.
Is AFIP open daily?
AFIP operates throughout the week for histopathology, clinical labs, and forensic units, with emergency forensic service available 24/7.
What types of tests are performed?
Tests include histopathology, cytology, clinical biochemistry, hematology, microbiology, molecular diagnostics, blood banking, and forensic autopsies.
Does AFIP offer postgraduate training?
Yes. It provides FCPS and MCPS programs, diplomas, workshops, and external quality assessments for lab professionals.
Can civilians access AFIP services?
Yes. Clinical and histopathology services are available for civilian hospitals. Forensic services require liaison with police and judicial authorities.
Is there a digital report system?
Yes. AFIP uses a Laboratory Information System (LIS) that enables online report access, tracking, and archival.
Does AFIP engage in research?
Yes. It participates in subspecialty pathology research, inter‑institutional studies, and technical workshops focused on diagnostic excellence.
🔍 Conclusion
The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology is Pakistan’s national hub for advanced diagnostic and forensic services. Through technical excellence, continuous training, and digital integration, it supports quality healthcare and justice systems across the country. Expanding capacity, remote access, and public awareness will further enhance its national landmark status.