Overview & History
Qatar Hospital is a 400-bed public-sector hospital operated by the Government of Sindh since 1995. It serves as a major healthcare hub for the residents of Orangi Town and neighboring communities, providing free medical services through its outpatient, inpatient, emergency, and specialized diagnostic departments.
Mission & Vision
Dedicated to delivering accessible, free-of-cost healthcare, the hospital aims to improve health outcomes in underprivileged urban areas through equitable services, public health education, and community outreach.
Location & Access
Located in Sector 7-B (Banaras Bazar Chowk), Orangi Town, the hospital is easily reachable by public transport and ambulance services. It operates 24/7, supporting both routine care and emergency needs.
Medical & Surgical Departments
- General Medicine & Internal Medicine: Treating acute and chronic diseases, alongside general health screenings.
- General Surgery: Performing elective and emergency procedures like appendectomies, hernia repairs, and gallbladder surgeries.
- Obstetrics & Gynecology: Offering antenatal care, deliveries, and gynecological surgeries.
- Pediatrics: Managing childhood illnesses, immunizations, and newborn care.
- Orthopedics: Handling fractures, joint injuries, and basic physiotherapy care.
- ENT & Ophthalmology: Providing outpatient care and minor procedures.
- Cardiology: ECG, echocardiography, and follow-up of heart-related conditions.
Emergency & Critical Care
The 24/7 Emergency Department and surgical OT, first inaugurated in 2004, address general, pediatric, obstetric, and surgical emergencies. A High-Dependency Unit (HDU) and recovery rooms support critically ill patients.
Diagnostic Services & Imaging
- Digital X-ray
- Ultrasound & Doppler
- ECG & echocardiography
- Endoscopy & fiber scan (when operational)
- Pathology lab for routine and advanced testing
In-house blood bank supplies blood via the Regional Blood Centre since October 2020.
Inpatient Care & Patient Comfort
The hospital offers private, semi-private, and general wards with clean, ventilated rooms. However, patients have reported occasional overcrowding and concerns about hygiene in some areas.
Pharmacy & Ambulance Services
A free pharmacy dispenses government-supplied medicines (though stock-outs have occurred). Its ambulance fleet supports emergency transport, though periodic vehicle downtime has been reported.
Challenges & Improvements
In mid-late 2023, a caretaker government audit highlighted:
- Medicine shortages and undelivered orders
- Non-functional lab equipment (CT, MRI, endoscopy)
- Unsanitary conditions in wards and OPDs
- Off-road ambulance vehicles
Following this, authorities initiated inquiries, fleet repairs, and hygiene cleanups, with commitments to restore services.
Community Reputation & Feedback
Locally, the hospital is valued for its free services and round-the-clock operation but has received mixed reviews on hygiene, staff attitudes, and equipment functionality. Patients praise the convenient location and 24-hour access but continue to push for better management and facilities.
FAQs
Where is Qatar Hospital located?
Sector 7‑B (Banaras Bazar Chowk), Orangi Town, Karachi.
Is it open 24/7?
Yes—the hospital operates round the clock, including emergency, laboratory, diagnostic, and OPD services.
Are medicines free?
Yes—medicines are free when in stock; during shortages, patients may need to procure essentials externally.
Does the hospital have CT, MRI, endoscopy?
These services exist but have been frequently out of order; restoration efforts are underway.
What’s the current hygiene situation?
Wards and corridors were found unsanitary in 2023; recent cleanup drives have improved conditions, though ongoing vigilance is needed.
Are ambulances available?
Ambulance services exist but have suffered downtime; steps are being taken to repair and maintain the fleet.