SWABI: A new state-of-the-art laboratory has been inaugurated at Bacha Khan Medical Complex, MTI Swabi, to provide modern diagnostic services to patients from Swabi and nearby districts.

The laboratory, established above the New Emergency Department, was inaugurated on May 23 by former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Labour Minister Faisal Khan Tarakai, who jointly performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

According to a BKMC spokesperson, Hospital Director Dr Khalid Masud briefed the delegation on the facility and said all major diagnostic services would be available in the new laboratory.

The facility includes microbiology, haematology, histopathology, TB culture and other advanced diagnostic services. It also has a blood bank, automated analysers, qualified technical staff and solar power backup to help ensure uninterrupted services.

UNICEF Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Team Lead Dr Inamullah, Member Board of Governors MTI Swabi Dr Tufail Muhammad, hospital officials and other guests attended the ceremony.

After the inauguration, the delegation visited different sections of the laboratory. Head of Pathology Professor Dr Nazish Babar and her team briefed the guests on the laboratory’s features and capabilities.

The spokesperson said the laboratory was established with funding provided by Asad Qaiser at a total cost of Rs60 million. Earlier, modern operation theatres had also been inaugurated at the hospital.

Collection points will soon be set up in different areas to facilitate patients. The hospital also plans to introduce advanced services, including Hb electrophoresis, bone marrow examination, TB culture, histopathology and total lab automation.

Speaking on the occasion, Faisal Khan Tarakai and Asad Qaiser assured the hospital administration of continued support for strengthening healthcare services.