DNA
Governor Syed Mehdi Shah welcomes the facility as a major advancement in quality
diagnostic healthcare for Gilgit-Baltistan
GILGIT: Islamabad Diagnostic Centre (IDC) formally inaugurated its new state-of-the-art
diagnostic facility in Gilgit, marking an important milestone in expanding access to timely,
reliable and high-quality diagnostic services across Gilgit-Baltistan.
The facility was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Honourable Governor Gilgit-Baltistan Syed
Mehdi Shah, who performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony in the presence of IDC’s senior
management, healthcare professionals and distinguished guests.
The ceremony was also attended by Deputy Commissioner Gilgit Captain (Retd.) Arif Ahmed
(PAS), senior officers from Force Command Northern Areas (FCNA), representatives of the local
administration, consultant doctors from across Gilgit-Baltistan and other prominent members
of the community.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Syed Mehdi Shah described the establishment of IDC Gilgit
as an excellent and much-needed addition to the region’s healthcare infrastructure. He
congratulated IDC’s management and its Founding Chairman and CEO, Prof. Dr. Rizwan Uppal,
for bringing quality diagnostic services closer to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.
The Governor stated that the IDC facility had been established in response to his request and
expressed his appreciation to the organisation’s leadership for addressing an important
healthcare need of the region.
He highlighted that patients in Gilgit-Baltistan previously had to send samples and diagnostic
tests to other cities, resulting in delays of several days. The availability of modern diagnostic
services within Gilgit will now help patients receive accurate reports more quickly, enabling
timely diagnosis and treatment.
Governor Syed Mehdi Shah assured IDC of the government’s full cooperation and directed the
Deputy Commissioner and relevant authorities to facilitate an uninterrupted electricity supply
to the facility. He emphasised that reliable electricity is essential for an institution directly
providing critical healthcare services to the public.
He also expressed hope that IDC would expand its presence to Skardu, Hunza and other districts
of Gilgit-Baltistan so that more communities could access advanced diagnostic services closer to
their homes.
In his message on the occasion, Founding Chairman and CEO of IDC, Prof. Dr. Rizwan Uppal,
said:
“IDC Gilgit has been established to cater to the medical and diagnostic needs of the people of
Gilgit-Baltistan through accurate, timely and patient-centred services. Our vision is to make
quality diagnostic healthcare accessible to communities across Pakistan, including those in
geographically challenging regions. We are committed to strengthening our services in Gilgit
and progressively expanding our presence across the region.”
The new IDC facility will provide modern laboratory and diagnostic services, helping reduce the
need for patients to travel to other cities or wait several days for their reports. IDC also plans to
progressively expand its advanced imaging capabilities in the region, including MRI and CT scan
services, in line with local healthcare requirements.
IDC currently operates a nationwide network of more than 170 branches, providing
comprehensive laboratory and imaging services to millions of patients. The opening of IDC Gilgit
further reflects the organisation’s commitment to making reliable and advanced diagnostic
healthcare accessible throughout Pakistan.
Consultant doctors and medical professionals attending the ceremony welcomed IDC’s arrival
in Gilgit and termed it an important development for the region’s healthcare sector. They
observed that access to modern diagnostic services would help reduce patients’ travel time and
expenses while supporting earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment.
About Islamabad Diagnostic Centre
Islamabad Diagnostic Centre is one of Pakistan’s leading integrated diagnostic healthcare
providers, offering comprehensive laboratory and imaging services through a nationwide
network of more than 170 branches. IDC remains committed to accurate reporting, advanced
technology and greater access to quality diagnostic healthcare.
