Pakistan to Receive 36 Oxygen Plants Under $52 Million UNDP-Led Health Project
October 9, 2025 | 5:15 pm
ISLAMABAD: In a significant boost to Pakistan’s healthcare sector, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Government of Pakistan and the Global Fund, has launched a $52 million initiative to install 36 oxygen generation plants in public hospitals across the country.
The project — which runs from March 2022 to December 2025 — aims to ensure reliable access to medical-grade oxygen in hospitals throughout Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, improving emergency and critical care capacity nationwide.
Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure
Under the programme, each hospital will receive a fully functional oxygen generation system, supported by technical and healthcare staff training to ensure safe and efficient operation.
UNDP confirmed that third-party experts will monitor the installation and commissioning of all systems to guarantee compliance with international safety and quality standards. Once completed, the plants will be handed over to hospital administrations for long-term management and sustainability.
Incorporating Renewable Energy Solutions
To make the initiative sustainable and eco-friendly, solar-powered HVAC systems will be integrated to regulate temperatures in medical facilities. These systems will help preserve vaccines and medicines, while reducing energy costs and dependence on external supply chains.
According to UNDP, these renewable upgrades will also strengthen Pakistan’s medical logistics and ensure uninterrupted oxygen and medicine supply, even during emergencies such as pandemics or natural disasters.
Enhancing National Health Resilience
The new oxygen plants are expected to significantly increase Pakistan’s capacity to manage respiratory and critical care cases, a vital step after the challenges highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
UNDP emphasized that this initiative reflects its commitment to building a sustainable, climate-resilient, and equitable healthcare system in Pakistan. The organisation aims to create a system that can withstand future health crises while ensuring fair access to essential medical services for all citizens.
This development comes as part of a broader global effort to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in developing nations, ensuring that no hospital or patient is left without access to life-saving oxygen when it is needed most.
