Hospital Design Standards in Pakistan 2025
Hospital & Clinic Design Standards in Pakistan PMDC Guidelines 2025)
By ArcoDesk Pakistan – Leading Hospital & Healthcare Design Consultants in Islamabad, Lahore, and KPK
Introduction
Designing a hospital or clinic requires more than architecture — it’s about creating a safe, efficient, and healing environment. Every healthcare building in Pakistan must comply with Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC), National Health Services Regulations & Coordination (NHSRC), and Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) standards.
At ArcoDesk Pakistan, our expert healthcare architects specialize in hospital and clinic design across Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Punjab, South Punjab, Lahore, and KPK — ensuring every project meets functional, hygienic, and international healthcare standards.
National & Provincial Hospital Design Authorities
1️⃣ Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC)
PHC regulates all hospitals and clinics across Punjab. To obtain a PHC license, the design must comply with the Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS), including:
- Proper functional zoning (OPD, IPD, Emergency, Diagnostic)
- Ventilation, natural lighting & waste management
- Accessibility for differently-abled patients
- Infection control & sterilization system
- Safety exits & fire evacuation plan
- ✅ ArcoDesk provides PHC-compliant hospital design drawings and licensing documentation services.
2️⃣ National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination (NHSRC)
The NHSRC sets the national-level standards for healthcare infrastructure, covering:
- Hospital classification (Primary, Secondary, Tertiary)
- Biomedical waste disposal
- Building safety & structure stability
- Fire safety systems
- Patient privacy & infection control zones
3️⃣ Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC)
For medical or dental teaching hospitals and clinics, the PMDC sets:
- Minimum space for lecture rooms, labs, and wards
- Proper ventilation, dental chair spacing, and sterilization
- Record-keeping, staff rooms, and emergency access requirements
Recommended Area Requirements (Per Bed & Facility)
| Facility Type | Recommended Area (sq.ft) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| OPD Room | 200–300 | Doctor + Patient + Waiting |
| Emergency Unit | 2,000–4,000 | With triage & minor OT |
| Private Room | 180–250 | Bed + Toilet |
| General Ward Bed | 200–250 | Including circulation |
| ICU Bed | 250–300 | Equipment & nurse access |
| Maternity Bed | 220–250 | Delivery access |
| Isolation Bed | 300–350 | Airlock + attached toilet |
| Pharmacy | 300–600 | With counter & storage |
| Laboratory | 800–1,200 | Sample & testing area |
| Radiology (X-ray, CT, MRI) | 1,500–3,000 | Shielded rooms |
| Kitchen & Laundry | 1,000–2,000 | Exhaust & washing area |
| Parking | 1,500–3,000 | Staff & visitor parking |
For small hospitals (10–20 beds), total built-up area ranges between 12,000–18,000 sq.ft. These Area may be changed as per special hospital requirement ,this information is just for minimum standards.
Design Considerations for Hospitals & Clinics
- Efficient patient and staff circulation
- Separate zones for clean, semi-clean, and contaminated areas
- Natural ventilation & daylight integration
- Barrier-free access for disabled persons
- Sustainable materials and solar integration
- Fire safety and exit compliance with NFPA and PHC codes
- Future expansion flexibility through modular design
ArcoDesk Pakistan’s Healthcare Design Expertise
ArcoDesk Pakistan is a leading hospital architecture and interior design firm based in Islamabad, offering services across Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Peshawar, and Bahawalpur.
Our Services Include:
- Hospital Master Planning & Architecture
- Clinic & Polyclinic Interior Design
- PHC / NHSRC / CDA / DHA Approval Drawings
- Structural & MEP Design
- 3D Visualization & BIM Coordination
- Turnkey Design-Build Services
Contact: 0339-2292786
Website: www.arcodesk.com
Islamabad | Lahore | Rawalpindi | Multan | KPK
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1️⃣ What is the minimum area required for a small hospital?
For a 10–15 bed hospital, you need around 12,000–18,000 sq.ft covered area, including circulation, emergency, and support services.
2️⃣ How much area is required per bed including utilities?
- As per PHC and NHSRC standards:
- General Ward Bed: 200–250 sq.ft
- Private Room Bed: 180–220 sq.ft
- ICU Bed: 250–300 sq.ft
With Circulation + Utilities: Average 250–300 sq.ft per bed
3️⃣ What are PHC requirements for hospital design approval?
- Architect’s layout plan (PCATP Registered)
- Fire & safety provisions
- Proper ventilation & waste system
- Accessible toilets & ramps
- Waste management & infection control plan
- Zoning for clean and dirty areas
4️⃣ What are NHSRC and PMDC roles in healthcare design?
NHSRC:
Defines hospital classification, health safety codes, and sanitation standards.
- PMDC: Regulates design and approval for medical & dental teaching institutions and clinics.
5️⃣ What are the Time Saver Standards for hospital planning?
- As per Time Saver Standards for Building Types:
1 hospital bed ≈ 250–400 sq.ft (including circulation & utilities)
Service area ≈ 15–20% of total floor area
Public & waiting area ≈ 15% of total area
6️⃣ What is the cost of hospital construction in Pakistan (2025)?
Facility Approx. Cost (PKR/sq.ft) Clinic / Polyclinic Rs. 3,500 – 5,000 Small Hospital (15 Beds) Rs. 5,500 – 8,000 Medium Hospital (50 Beds) Rs. 6,000 – 9,000 - Costs depend on material quality, MEP system, and finish level.
7️⃣ What are the design requirements for clinics in Islamabad & Rawalpindi?
- Municipal bodies like CDA and RDA require:
- Site plan approval from a registered architect
- Adequate parking space
- Proper ventilation & waste management
- Accessible toilets & ramps
8️⃣ What is the area requirement for dental or medical clinics (PMDC)?
- Dental chair space: 150–200 sq.ft per chair
- Doctor’s OPD Room: 200–250 sq.ft
- Waiting area: 10–12 sq.ft per person capacity
9️⃣ What are the regional differences in hospital design?
Islamabad / Rawalpindi: Focus on building code compliance (CDA/RDA)
Lahore & Punjab: PHC licensing and Government compliance
KPK: Provincial health regulations with structural safety focus
South Punjab: Focus on natural ventilation, low-cost materials, and energy efficiency
Why Choose ArcoDesk Pakistan for Hospital and Clinic Design?
- ✅ WHO, PHC, and NHSRC-compliant designs
✅ Registered Architects (PCATP)
✅ Time & cost-efficient solutions
✅ Complete approval & supervision services
✅ Experience in healthcare projects across all provinces
Conclusion
- Designing a hospital or clinic in Pakistan demands a balance of functionality, safety, and compliance. Whether in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan, or Peshawar, ArcoDesk Pakistan delivers international-standard healthcare designs that meet PHC, NHSRC, and PMDC regulations — ensuring your healthcare facility is future-ready, efficient, and legally approved.
