BEIJING, China: The Pakistan-China Friendship Hospital in the port city of Gwadar is preparing to admit its first patients.
The foundation of the hospital was laid in 2020. It is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and it’s been called a symbol of the two countries’ deep-rooted friendship.
Zhou Wenwei, Chief Consultant at the hospital, highlighted the longstanding bond between the two nations, expressing China’s desire to invest in Gwadar’s healthcare for the well-being of the local population as part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
With an exclusive preview granted just days before its official opening, I explored the 150-bed facility. The Pak-China Friendship Hospital boasts modern amenities and advanced medical technology, addressing the limited access to essential healthcare services in the region. Dr. Aftab, Head of Indus Hospital Campus in Gwadar, praised the hospital’s state-of-the-art equipment and aesthetically pleasing construction, foreseeing its relevance for the next twenty-five years. Gratitude was expressed towards the Chinese people for providing this vital health facility.
Financed by China’s commerce ministry with an estimated cost of $30.5 million and spanning eight acres, the hospital offers a comprehensive range of services, from emergency care to specialized medical treatments. Beyond healthcare provision, it is anticipated to stimulate the local economy by generating employment opportunities and fostering growth in businesses, contributing to the overall socio-economic development of the area. —APP
