Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH), Rawalpindi

Overview & History

Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH) is a government-run tertiary care hospital located on Murree Road, Rawalpindi. Originally established in 1957 as the Rawalpindi District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital with 150 beds, it was nationalized in 1960 and has since expanded to over 750 beds. The hospital was renamed after the late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto following her tragic assassination in 2007.

BBH is affiliated with Rawalpindi Medical University (formerly Rawalpindi Medical College) and plays a central role in providing healthcare and medical education in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

🏨 Departments & Medical Services

BBH offers a full range of medical and surgical services. Major clinical and diagnostic departments include:

General Medicine & Surgery
Gynecology & Obstetrics
Cardiology, Neurology, & Dermatology
ENT, Ophthalmology, & Dentistry
Orthopedics, Urology, & Anesthesia
Radiology, Pathology, & ICU
Pediatrics & Neonatal Care
24/7 Emergency & Trauma Department
Renal Transplant Unit & Dialysis Center
Institute of Psychiatry – a WHO-recognized mental health training center

🎓 Academic & Training Contributions

As a teaching hospital under Rawalpindi Medical University, BBH contributes significantly to healthcare education. It offers training for:

MBBS and BDS students (clinical rotations)
Postgraduate residents (FCPS, MCPS, MS programs)
Nursing students through its College of Nursing (established in 1978)
Ongoing training in public health programs (e.g., dengue control, emergency response)

🔧 Recent Upgrades & Infrastructure

Significant improvements were made in 2023:

Rs. 55 million spent on Emergency Block expansion (116 beds)
Rs. 13.3 million allocated to upgrade Psychiatry and OPD units
Installation of new medical equipment and improved waste disposal systems

Despite the progress, BBH still grapples with issues like aging infrastructure, overcrowding, and occasional equipment malfunction (e.g., elevators in the OPD building).

🤝 Community Outreach & Patient Care

BBH is the main referral hospital for the Rawalpindi-Islamabad area and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It handles thousands of patients daily:

In 2022, over 10,500 deliveries (6,145 vaginal, 4,386 C-sections)
More than 14,000 gynecological procedures
Thousands benefited from subsidized dialysis and mental health care

During public health crises (like CCHF in 2024), BBH responded promptly with specialized isolation wards and rapid care protocols.

⭐ Public Recognition & Reviews

BBH was officially recognized by the Punjab Healthcare Commission in 2022. While it is praised for skilled staff and access to affordable treatment, some patient concerns include:

Long waiting times
Overcrowding and limited seating
Sanitation and administrative delays

📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH)?

BBH is a public, tertiary-care teaching hospital affiliated with Rawalpindi Medical University. It provides emergency care, medical education, and specialized services to the public.

Where is BBH located?

BBH is located on Murree Road, near Liaquat Bagh and Committee Chowk Metrobus Station in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

What services are offered at BBH?

Services include general and specialized medical care, surgery, gynecology, psychiatry, emergency services, dialysis, and organ transplant. It also runs outpatient clinics and diagnostic labs.

Is BBH open 24 hours?

Yes, the hospital provides 24/7 emergency and inpatient services, including in ICU, labor room, and trauma units.

Does BBH charge for medical services?

Most services are free or subsidized for the public. Some tests or specialized treatments may carry nominal charges.

Is BBH a teaching hospital?

Yes, BBH is a teaching and training hospital for MBBS, BDS, nursing students, and postgraduate residents under Rawalpindi Medical University.

Does BBH have a mental health department?

Yes, the Institute of Psychiatry at BBH is a WHO-recognized mental health center serving patients from across Pakistan and abroad.

Can people from outside Rawalpindi get treated at BBH?

Absolutely. BBH welcomes patients from Islamabad, Punjab, and even Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to its tertiary care facilities.

How do I contact or get updates about BBH?

You can visit the official university website at rmur.edu.pk or reach the hospital directly at their reception desk on Murree Road, Rawalpindi.