Sindh Institute of Skin Diseases—also known as Chamra Hospital—is Karachi’s only public-sector specialist dermatology hospital. Located at Regal Chowk in Saddar, it is government-funded and entirely free of charge
📍 Location & Accessibility
Nestled on Soparivala Street near Regal Chowk, the hospital is easily accessible by bus, rickshaw, private vehicles, and ambulance. It features on-site parking, wheelchair ramps, and clearly marked patient entry zones
🏥 Capacity & Department Structure
- Bed Capacity: 50 beds (sometimes cited as 100, but operational capacity is typically ~50)
- Outpatient Volume: 3,000–5,000 patients daily, totaling roughly 800,000–1 million per year
- Staffing: Over 65 doctors including more than 14 dermatologists and a plastic surgeon; led by Director Dr. Ruby Qureshi and supported by an administrative team
🔬 Core Services & Facilities
- Minor OT Suite: For excisions, skin biopsies, and minor dermatological procedures
- Pathology Lab: Performs routine blood tests, fungal scrapings, Tzanck smears, LD body identification, and screenings for syphilis, hepatitis B/C, HIV—free of charge
- Therapeutic Procedures: Electric and chemical cautery, cryotherapy, phototherapy (PUVA, narrowband UVB), and light therapy available
- Specialty Clinics: Addresses conditions such as STDs, fungal infections, leprosy, psoriasis, vitiligo, and acne
- Academic & Research Role: Regular CME sessions, case reviews, and research contribute to training dermatology professionals
✅ Strengths & Advantages
- Zero-Cost Services: OPD visits, diagnostics, medications, and procedures are all free for patients
- High Patient Throughput: Among the busiest dermatology centers in Pakistan, with consistent footfall of 4k–6k daily
- Wide Range of Treatments: From medical and surgical care to phototherapy and dermatopathology
- Training Hub: Functions as a premier research and education center with academic programs
⚠️ Challenges & Opportunities
- Patient Overcrowding: High daily turnout often leads to long queues and wait times
- Resource Constraints: Reliance on limited beds and basic OT facilities—scope to expand inpatient capacity.
- Facility Upgrades: Need for modernization, more comfortable waiting areas, and stronger referral pathways for complex cases.
📈 Recent Developments & Community Role
- Launched Pakistan’s first psychodermatology clinic to address skin issues tied to psychological health
- Continuing to pioneer public health in dermatology through free clinics and awareness campaigns.
❓ FAQs – Sindh Institute of Skin Diseases
Is care really free?
Yes—it’s fully free, including outpatient visits, diagnostics, procedures, and medications
What conditions are treated?
A wide range of skin issues—fungal infections, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, leprosy, STDs, acne, and more
What are its timings?
Typically operates six days a week; exact hours may vary—best to check directly.
Can I be admitted?
Yes—though only ~50 beds are available, reserved for those needing inpatient care; demand is often high :
How do I access specialist care?
Walk-in visits are accepted; minor procedures and phototherapy typically require appointment via OPD counters.
🔍 Conclusion
The Sindh Institute of Skin Diseases—Karachi’s “Chamra Hospital”—stands as a lifeline for free, expert dermatological care in the public sector. Its strengths lie in its high throughput, no-cost services, breadth of expertise, and role as a training center. Addressing facility constraints, improving patient flow, and expanding infrastructure will only enhance its ability to serve Karachi and wider Sindh effectively.