JPMC is a prominent public-sector tertiary care and teaching hospital located on Rafiqui Shaheed Road in Karachi Cantonment. With around 1,600–1,900 beds, it serves approximately 1.8 million patients annually and provides free or highly subsidized care as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s public healthcare system
📍 Location & Accessibility
Situated on Rafiqui Shaheed Road near Regent Plaza, the hospital is accessible via buses, ambulances, private vehicles, and military transport. It operates 24/7 and can be contacted at +92‑21‑99201300 :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
🏥 History & Affiliation
- Originally a 1930 army hospital, it was renamed Jinnah Central Hospital in 1949 and later became JPMC in 1962 by merging with BMSI
- Affiliated with Sindh Medical College (now Jinnah Sindh Medical University) and serves as a teaching and research hub
🚑 Capacity & Services
- Bed strength between 1,600–1,900 across ~34 departments
- Annual OPD visits total nearly 1.8 million, with around 500-bed accident and trauma center operating 24/7
🏥 Departments & Clinics
JPMC hosts a comprehensive range of departments, including Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Orthopaedics, Neurosurgery, Urology, ENT, Ophthalmology, Radiology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Nephrology, Oncology, and more
🧠 Teaching, Training & Research
As an affiliated teaching hospital of Jinnah Sindh Medical University and Sindh Medical College, JPMC trains medical students, postgraduate doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and paramedics. Its Basic Medical Sciences Institute is a national training hub
💉 Facilities & Technology
- Comprehensive diagnostics: labs, imaging (CT/MRI), radiotherapy including Pakistan’s only CyberKnife machine
- Specialized units: MICU, surgical theaters, intensive care, and burn units housed in heritage Jubilee Block
- Facilities include an on-site blood bank, central pharmacy, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and nursing training colleges
✅ Strengths & Community Impact
- Affordable Care: OPD slips cost just Rs 20, with most services free or highly subsidized
- High Patient Volume & Capacity: Handles mass casualty events efficiently
- Specialized Care Excellence: Notable departments in endocrinology, plastic surgery, and psychiatry are well-regarded
- Community Praise: “Consultants are really good… treatment is free” — Reddit user
⚠️ Challenges & Areas for Improvement
- Overcrowding and long queues are common; planning and flow management improvements needed
- Infrastructure is outdated; requires modernization to meet growing service demands
❓ FAQs – JPMC
🕒 Is the hospital open 24/7?
Yes — emergency and trauma services operate around the clock; most OPDs run 8 AM to 1 PM from Monday to Saturday
💸 Are services free?
Yes — OPD slips are minimal (around Rs 20), and lab tests, imaging, surgeries, and medicines are provided free or heavily subsidized
📞 How can I book an appointment?
Appointments are made at departmental OPD counters; walk-ins and emergencies are handled daily. Contact at (021) 99201300
🎓 Can I do a house job (internship) here?
Yes — JPMC offers paid and unpaid internships across all major specialities; noted as excellent for surgical exposure with manageable hours
🔍 Conclusion
JPMC stands as a flagship of public healthcare and medical education in Pakistan, offering extensive specialties, advanced technology, and training opportunities. While burdened by overcrowding and aging infrastructure, its commitment to accessible, high-quality medical care and education cements its role as a vital pillar of Karachi’s health system.