Punjab’s First Purpose-Built Medical District
Lahore is set to host Punjab’s first dedicated medical district as the provincial government moves ahead with plans for the Nawaz Sharif Medical District, an ambitious health and infrastructure project being developed alongside the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Care Hospital. Officials say the new district will become a major hub for specialised healthcare, research and support services, designed to serve patients from across Punjab and beyond.
According to planning documents, the medical district will be developed on more than 1,500 kanals of land, making it one of the largest purpose-built healthcare zones in the province. The Punjab government has completed the initial PC-I documentation and 3D designs, clearing the way for formal approvals and early stage groundwork.
The project builds on the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Care Hospital initiative but goes much further, creating an integrated environment where multiple hospitals, diagnostic centres and allied health facilities can operate side by side. Policymakers see the district as a long-term investment in Lahore’s role as a regional medical centre, reducing pressure on existing hospitals and offering more organised services to patients.
Master Plan: Helipad, Gas Station and Biodiversity Park
Project plans show that the medical district has been designed with a wide range of supporting infrastructure. A 22.87-kanal helipad is included to allow air ambulances and emergency helicopters to land directly at the complex, cutting critical travel time for serious cases. A 32.38-kanal gas station is also planned to support the fuel needs of ambulances, staff vehicles and visitors.
In a first for the province, the district will also feature a dedicated biodiversity park. Officials say this modern green space is intended to provide a healthier, more calming environment for patients, attendants and staff, while promoting urban biodiversity through carefully planned landscaping and plantation. The park is expected to offer walking tracks, shaded seating and nature-based areas that complement the medical facilities around them.
The master plan pays special attention to movement within and around the district. A central Civic Avenue will connect multiple hospitals and key buildings across the site, making it easier for patients and staff to move between facilities. Another major feature is a 250-foot-wide Sunset Avenue, which will form an important part of the internal road network and help manage traffic flow.
Roads, Walkways and Patient-Friendly Access
To improve pedestrian safety and comfort, 53.99 kanals have been set aside for crosswalks and walking areas. These will include pedestrian bridges and canal-side walkways so that people can move between different parts of the district without having to rely on vehicles for short trips. Planners say the aim is to create a campus-like environment where access is smooth, safe and barrier-free for patients, visitors and healthcare workers.
Land has also been allocated for commercial development within the medical district to support day-to-day needs. Two mixed-use commercial zones have been earmarked: Mixed-Use Commercial Zone One, covering 28.89 kanals, and Mixed-Use Commercial Zone Two, covering 28.69 kanals. These areas are expected to host pharmacies, diagnostic labs, food outlets, hostels, guest houses and other services that commonly surround large medical complexes.
Commercial Zones and Direct Link to Lahore Ring Road
Connectivity has been treated as a key priority. The district will be directly linked to the Lahore Ring Road, giving ambulances, public transport and private vehicles quick access from different parts of the city and surrounding areas. Officials say the direct link will be especially important for emergency cases, where minutes saved in travel time can significantly affect patient outcomes.
The first major facility to be built inside the Nawaz Sharif Medical District will be a new Institute of Ophthalmology. The project carries an estimated cost of around Rs 17.8 billion and is expected to begin in the current financial year, subject to final procedural approvals.
Institute of Ophthalmology to Lead the First Phase
The institute will focus on specialised eye care, offering advanced diagnostic and surgical services that can reduce the need for patients to travel abroad for treatment. Over time, additional hospitals and centres of excellence in other medical fields are expected to join the complex, expanding the range of services available within the district.
Officials believe that once completed, the Nawaz Sharif Medical District will not only transform healthcare access for Lahore but also serve as a model for future medical zones elsewhere in Punjab. By combining modern infrastructure, green spaces, commercial support and strong connectivity, the project aims to deliver a next-generation health hub for patients and professionals alike.
