Overview & History
Bethania Hospital, founded in 1964 by Belgian Capuchin Fr. Legori Janssen, is a charitable 215‑bed hospital in Sialkot operated under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lahore. It is the only Catholic hospital in Pakistan and has grown from a dispensary into one of Punjab’s largest TB specialist centres, serving as a key regional option for TB care. For broader regional context, see Tuberculosis Hospital, Gujranwala.
Approved as a charitable institution in 1991, it treats around 60,000 patients per year, including approximately 5,000 TB cases, in collaboration with the National TB Control Programme. For additional chest care options in the region, see Chest & General Welfare Hospital, Sialkot.
TB Programme & Chest Care
- Specialized TB unit (~100 beds) offering free diagnosis and Directly Observed Treatment (DOTS) with reference facilities such as Chest & General Welfare Hospital, Sialkot.
- Pediatric TB screening and treatment services Children Hospital, Sialkot
- Community outreach and counseling to combat TB stigma via home visits and awareness sessions TB Association Centre, Takht Bhai, Mardan
- Close partnership with National TB Control Programme for free medication supply Government TB Hospital, Sargodha
General Medical & Surgical Services
- General Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, Cardiology, Neurology
- ICU, NICU, labor & delivery wards, physiotherapy, nutrition, dermatology services
- Additional facilities include pharmacy, blood bank, X‑ray and medical lab
- Operation Theatres with modern equipment supporting emergency and elective surgeries
For pediatric and regional clinical care options, see Children Hospital, Sialkot.
Medical Team & Education
- Staff of over 130, including FCPS/FRCS-qualified specialists and pulmonologists
- In-house nursing school and partnerships with UMT for clinical training in health sciences
- Key staff includes Dr. Salman Akhtar – TB & chest diseases specialist
For regional training resources in chest care and pulmonology, see Gulab Devi Chest Hospital – South Asia’s Leading Public Chest & Cardiac Care Center.
Cost & Accessibility
- TB diagnosis and treatment are free via charitable funding and government programs
- General and specialty services are offered at affordable or subsidized rates
- Open to patients of all faiths and backgrounds; no religious discrimination
Timings & Location
- OPD Hours: Morning (8 AM–2 PM) & Evening (6 PM–9 PM); Emergency open 24/7
- Address: Kashmir Road, Pakka Garha, Sialkot; accessible via main routes
- Contact: +92 52 4263236 / 0330 4171700
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Bethania Hospital only for TB treatment?
No. While it’s a leading TB centre, it also offers general medicine, surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, cardiology, neurology, and more.
Is TB treatment free?
Yes. TB testing, medication, and DOTS services are provided free under the National TB Control Programme.
Are pediatric TB services available?
Yes. The hospital treats pediatric TB cases and supports family counseling and community education.
Can I walk in without appointment?
Yes. OPDs accept walk-ins during hours; emergency services operate 24/7. Specialist appointments recommended for elective care.
Is treatment available to all patients?
Yes. The hospital serves all communities equally, offering free or subsidized care regardless of religion or background.
Do they perform surgeries?
Yes. Equipped with modern OTs, ICU and NICU, the hospital handles elective and emergency surgical procedures.
How do they fight TB stigma?
“Locals still think these patients as untouchable… Their clothes and utensils are quickly separated…”
The hospital implements community education, counseling and home‑visit outreach to counter stigma.
Do they offer training programmes?
Yes. The in‑house nursing school and UMT partnership enables clinical training for health sciences students.
How can I contact the hospital?
Call +92 52 4263236 or 0330 4171700. The hospital operates 24/7 for emergencies.
Sources & References
- Bethania Hospital “About Us” page
- Wikipedia – Bethania Hospital Sialkot
- MyHospitalNow overview
- AsiaNews & HeraldMalaysia TB-stigma article
- OlaDoc listing & doctor profiles
- BizSouthAsia contact info
