Established in 1859 (originally as Station Hospital), Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi (CMH) is a premier A-Class tertiary-care military hospital operated by the Pakistan Army Medical Corps. With a capacity of around 1,000–1,150 beds, it serves both military personnel and civilians, providing advanced treatment and teaching facilities in affiliation with Army Medical College, NUMS, and CPSP
📍 Location & Accessibility
Located on Tamiz‑ud‑Din Road in Rawalpindi Cantonment, CMH Rawalpindi is easily accessible from Islamabad and surrounding areas. The hospital features ample parking and operates 24/7, including full emergency services
🏥 Facilities & Services
- Level-I Trauma & Emergency Center: Full-time emergency department accepting high-acuity cases
- 1000–1,150 beds: Following 2019 expansions, CMH can admit up to 1,150 inpatients and handle ~5,000 OPD visits per day
- Surgical Specialties: General surgery, neurosurgery, spine surgery (the only dedicated spine surgery dept in Pakistan), orthopedic, urology, vascular, thoracic, ENT, maxillofacial, breast, laparoscopic, burn care
- Oncology & Radiology: Radiation oncology, medical oncology, full radiology capabilities including digital X-ray, CT/MRI, interventional procedures
- Medical Departments: Cardiology (with cath lab and CCU), neurology (with stroke unit), pulmonology, dermatology, psychiatry, family medicine, pediatrics (with NICU/PICU), obstetrics & gynecology
- Other Services: Blood bank, pharmacy, pathology, dental, rehab (physiotherapy, occupational), artificial limb center
🎓 Academic & Training Role
CMH Rawalpindi is a recognized teaching hospital for Army Medical College, NUMS, CPSP, PMC, and GMC UK. It plays a key role in postgraduate and paramedical training within the Armed Forces Post Graduate Medical Institute (AFPGMI)
🏗️ Recent Developments
- 2013–2019 Expansion: New OPD, Emergency, and Diagnostic blocks were built and inaugurated by COAS in April 2019, increasing capacity to 1,150 beds and enabling handling of 5,000 OPD cases daily
⚠️ Community Feedback & Challenges
While CMH offers advanced medical services, several civilians have reported concerns related to access and treatment quality:
“an injection NovoSeven…they did not give to us because we are not army… Fast forward…senior doctor was not available…by Monday morning my sister was no longer with us.”
Many civilian patients mention delays in diagnostics, lack of empathy, and priority given to military families during critical care times
✅ Strengths & Opportunities
- State-of-the-art infrastructure with trauma center and comprehensive specialty departments.
- Strong academic affiliation and role in training future healthcare professionals.
- 24/7 services with robust emergency, surgical, and diagnostic capabilities.
⚙️ Key Areas for Improvement
- Ensure consistent access to emergency care for civilians, not just military dependents.
- Improve patient empathy and staff training in civilian–military integration.
- Reduce delays in diagnostics (e.g. CT scans, MRI) especially on weekends.
- Enhance transparency and communication during critical patient care.
❓ FAQs – CMH Rawalpindi
Who can receive treatment at CMH Rawalpindi?
While primarily for military personnel and their families, civilians can also access CMH services, including OPD, emergency, diagnostics, and inpatient care. However, military patients often receive priority.
Is CMH Rawalpindi open 24/7?
Yes. The Emergency Department operates round the clock. Most departments function during standard hours, with limited services on weekends
What specialties are available there?
CMH offers many specialties: emergency, trauma, cardiac, neuro, orthopedic, spine, oncology, ENT, urology, pediatrics, OB/GYN, radiology, blood bank, and more
Does CMH handle complex surgeries and cancer care?
Yes. It contains neurosurgery, spine surgery, burn center, laparoscopic procedures, radiation oncology, and cath lab-based cardiac interventions
Can civilians get diagnostic tests here?
Civilians can get CT, MRI, X‑rays, blood tests, ECGs, and specialized diagnostics. However, delays are sometimes reported, especially outside working hours
Is CMH a teaching hospital?
Yes. CMH is a teaching affiliate of Army Medical College, NUMS, CPSP, PMC, and GMC UK. It trains postgraduates and para-medical staff under AFPGMI
How do I make an appointment?
Appointments are usually obtained through calling (051‑9273426) or via official channels. OPD hours are generally 8 AM–2 PM, with extended evening clinics
Is parking available?
Yes—ample on-site parking for patients and visitors is provided
🔍 Conclusion
Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi stands as one of Pakistan’s most advanced healthcare institutions, particularly for military personnel. Its infrastructure, specialties, and teaching role are exemplary. However, to serve the broader public equitably, it needs improved civilian access, empathetic care, and streamlined diagnostic services.