Hospitals, labs & pharmacies: Islamabad & Rawalpindi

Last checked 30 Sep 2026. Helpline numbers, fees, timings and procedures in this guide were checked against the official sources listed at the end on that date. They can change, so always confirm with the official office before you apply, pay or travel.

In an emergency

Call 1122 for an ambulance, or go straight to the nearest hospital emergency department. Don't wait to search online.

Tips

• Keep your CNIC and any previous reports with you when you visit a hospital or lab.
• Many labs offer sample collection from home. Ask when you call.
• Ask the pharmacist before switching to a different brand of medicine.
• For care at home, see home nursing.

What to tell 1122

• Your exact location, with a landmark.
• What happened and how many people are affected.
• Whether the person is conscious and breathing.
• A phone number that will stay switched on.

Stay on the line and follow the instructions you are given.

Choosing a hospital

• For emergencies, go to the nearest hospital with an emergency department rather than travelling far.
• For planned care, check which specialists are available and whether you need a referral or an appointment.
• Ask about costs before non-urgent treatment, and whether your employer's or insurer's panel covers the hospital.
• Public hospitals such as Holy Family and PIMS serve very large numbers of patients, so allow extra time.

Getting lab tests done

• Take your doctor's prescription or test request with you.
• Ask the lab in advance whether you need to fast or stop any medicine before the test. Don't stop medicine without your doctor's advice.
• Many labs offer online reports and home sample collection. Ask when you call.
• Keep copies of your reports together so your doctor can compare results over time.

Buying medicine safely

• Buy from established pharmacies and check the expiry date and packaging.
• Medicines in Pakistan are regulated by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). Be careful with unbranded or unusually cheap products.
• Keep the receipt, and ask the pharmacist before switching to a different brand.
• Store medicines as the label says, away from heat and children.

Before a hospital visit

Take your CNIC, previous reports, prescriptions and a list of any medicines you take. Write down your questions for the doctor in advance. If you are visiting someone, check visiting hours and rules with the hospital.

Keeping your health records together

• Keep one folder, paper or on your phone, with reports, prescriptions, discharge slips and vaccination records.
• Write down any allergies and long-term medicines, and share them with every new doctor.
• For older family members, keep a list of their doctors and medicines where others in the family can find it.

Care at home

After a hospital stay, some patients need nursing, physiotherapy or equipment at home. Ask the treating doctor what care is needed and for how long. When arranging home nursing, ask about the nurse's qualifications and experience, and agree the hours and costs in writing. See home nursing on Haaniam.

Mental health

Mental health matters as much as physical health. If you or someone you know is struggling, speak to a doctor, who can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist. Many large hospitals have psychiatry departments. If someone is in immediate danger, call 1122 or 15.

A note on this guide

Haaniam lists hospitals, labs and pharmacies with the contact details they publish on their own websites. We do not rank or recommend medical providers, and nothing on this page is medical advice. Please speak to a qualified doctor about your health.

Vaccinations

Keep children's vaccination cards safe and follow the schedule given by your health centre or doctor. Government health facilities provide routine childhood vaccinations under the national immunisation programme. Adults should ask their doctor which vaccines they need, for example before Hajj or Umrah, or when travelling abroad.

Health insurance and panels

If you have insurance through your employer or privately, check which hospitals are on its panel and what you need to show at admission. Keep the insurance card and helpline number with your CNIC, and ask the hospital's insurance desk before treatment how the claim will work.

Questions