Founded in 1934, Gulab Devi Chest Hospital in Lahore is a historic, high-capacity tertiary care hospital dedicated to chest, cardiac, and general healthcare with a strong non-profit mission.
🏛️ Origins & Historical Legacy
Established: 1934 by freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai, in memory of his mother who died of tuberculosis in 1927.
The facility began with 34 beds on a 10+40 acre site along Ferozepur Road. Inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, the hospital came under Pakistani trusteeship post-1947, led by prominent national figures including Begum Raana Liaquat Ali Khan.
🏥 Growth & Capacity
- Current Capacity: Over 1,500 beds, making it Southeast Asia’s largest dedicated chest hospital
- Model: Semi-private, non-profit trust hospital
- Access: 90%+ of patients receive care free or at subsidized rates
- Funding: Receives periodic grants from Punjab government (e.g., Rs 130 million in 2010)
🫁 Core Specialties & Clinical Services
Pulmonology & Tuberculosis (TB)
- DOTS & DOTS-PLUS treatment protocols
- Dedicated TB isolation and treatment wards
Cardiology & Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Functional since 1984
- Dedicated angiography lab, multiple OTs, and cardiac ICUs
- Cardiac diagnostics: ECG, ECHO, treadmill test
Other Medical Departments
- General medicine & surgery, thoracic surgery
- Pediatrics, oncology, asthma care
- ENT, dermatology, psychiatry, urology
Diagnostic Facilities
- Spiral CT scan, digital X-ray
- Endoscopy, ECHO, ECG, full pathology
- Majority of services provided free of charge
👩⚕️ Teaching & Training
- Affiliates: Fatima Jinnah Medical College, Al-Aleem Medical College, Gulab Devi Postgraduate Medical Institute (PGMI)
- Recognized Programs: FCPS (Cardiology, Pulmonology), MRCP (UK)
- Allied Health Degrees: BSc in Cardiac Perfusion, Respiratory Therapy, etc. since ~2007
🤝 Collaborations & Outreach
- MoUs with Punjab University for allied-health training
- Regular academic events: NAPCON (chest and respiratory conference)
🎯 Mission & Commitment
The hospital is committed to providing compassionate, research-driven care, regardless of socioeconomic background, while training the next generation of medical professionals and contributing to public health innovations in TB and cardiac care.
🗣️ Community Role & Public Health Impact
- Major referral hospital for TB and cardiothoracic patients
- Supports Punjab Institute of Cardiology by offloading patient burden
- Free equipment and treatment for underserved patients supported through philanthropy and public donations
⚖️ Strengths & Challenges
✅ Strengths
- One of Asia’s largest and most respected chest hospitals
- Wide-ranging specialties with expert care in TB and cardiology
- Free/subsidized treatment for most patients
- Robust educational infrastructure for medical training
⚠️ Challenges
- High patient volume may cause delays in services
- Some infrastructure strain due to growing demand
- Reliant on periodic donations and government funding
- Semi-private model may not offer premium amenities
📍 Location & Access
Address: Ferozepur Road (Sharah-e-Roomi), Opposite Arfa Kareem Tower, Lahore
Contact: +92‑42‑99230247‑05
Email: info@gulabdevi.org
OPD Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, Saturday 9:30 AM–1:00 PM
Emergency Services: 24/7
🧭 Final Summary
Gulab Devi Chest Hospital remains a flagship public hospital in South Asia, rooted in a legacy of care and service. Its evolution from a small TB center to a 1,500-bed cardiopulmonary institution reflects its unwavering commitment to healthcare excellence, medical training, and community service. With high-quality care, robust diagnostics, and education under a non-profit mission, it continues to be a vital part of Lahore’s and Pakistan’s healthcare landscape.
FAQs about Gulab Devi Chest Hospital, Lahore
What is Gulab Devi Chest Hospital?
Gulab Devi Chest Hospital is a semi‑private, non-profit, tertiary‑care chest & cardiac hospital on Ferozepur Road, Lahore. It has 1,500 beds and provides advanced treatment for respiratory and heart diseases, especially tuberculosis
When and why was it established?
The hospital was founded in 1934 by freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai in memory of his mother, Gulab Devi, who died of TB in 1927. It opened on July 17, 1934, inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi
What services and specialties are offered?
Specialties include pulmonology (TB, asthma, chest diseases), cardiology (with cardiac wing since 1984), thoracic & cardiac surgery, oncology, bronchoscopy, radiology, pathology, DOTS/TB programs, and more
Is the hospital a teaching institution?
Yes, it is affiliated with Fatima Jinnah Medical College, Al-Aleem Medical College, PGMI, Ameer-ud-Din Medical College, College of Physicians & Surgeons Pakistan, and University of Health Sciences for both undergraduate and postgraduate training
What are the hospital’s operating hours?
Regular OPD hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, and Saturday 9:30 AM–1:00 PM. The emergency department operates 24/7
How much does treatment cost?
Over 90% of patients receive free treatment, including diagnostics, hospitalization, surgeries, and specialized care
Where is it located?
The hospital is located on Ferozepur Road (Sharah‑e‑Roomi), near Nishter Town, opposite Arfa Kareem Tower, Lahore
How can I contact or donate?
Phone: +92‑42‑99230247‑05
Email: info@gulabdevi.org
Donations can be made via online transfer or cheque—details are available on the hospital website and donor desk
What is the hospital’s mission?
The mission is to provide relief through care regardless of ability to pay, develop experts in chest and cardiac care, and foster research into TB and related diseases
Does it have facilities for cardiac surgery?
Yes, it opened a cardiac wing in 1984 equipped with angiography labs, three ORs, and offers heart surgeries and thoracic procedures
What departments does the hospital include?
Departments include outpatient & inpatient, TB wards, chest ICU, DOTS/DOTS-Plus, bronchoscopy, cardiac complex, pathology, radiology, oncology, asthma clinic, social welfare, and a postgraduate medical institute