Dr. Ali Raza Nasir gave an exclusive interview to Centreline magazine. Dr. Ali talked about the whole idea behind the General Practice Hospital. Here are excerpts from his interview.
Ansar M Bhatti
1. Dr. Ali Raza, could you briefly introduce yourself and share your journey in the medical profession?
I completed my medical degree and initial training at Shifa International Hospital before moving into private practice in 2017. Most of my family members are doctors, and ever since childhood, I have known little else. I was always fascinated by the power of medicine—the ability to heal others.
As human beings, we are all prone to illness. Being a doctor gives you perspectives from both sides: that of the physician and of the patient. I have never been one to chase numbers or volume. Instead of focusing on how many patients I see in a day, I focus on the quality of care I provide. Since my earliest days as a young doctor, I have always tried to put myself in my patients’ shoes.
This unique perspective drives my practice. It allows me to approach treatment not just by prescribing medicines or investigations but by minimizing the hassle patients face in our community. My goal is always to ensure they achieve the best possible treatment from all angles, with dignity and ease.
2. How did the idea of establishing a hospital named General Practice first come to you?
I am a general physician by training. Initially, the idea was to establish a medical practice that would provide primary and continuing care for patients of all ages—treating a wide range of physical and mental conditions, from common illnesses to chronic diseases. This broad scope is where the name General Practice originated. The vision was to create a place where patients could find comprehensive care under one roof, without having to move from specialist to specialist for every concern. The hospital was also meant to reflect the philosophy that health is not fragmented but holistic, requiring continuity, compassion, and accessibility. By calling it General Practice, I wanted to emphasize inclusivity—every patient, regardless of age, background, or illness, could feel confident that their needs would be met. Over time, this idea evolved into a structured institution, embodying both the traditional values of family medicine and the modern advances of healthcare delivery.
3. What core mission drives General Practice?
The core mission of General Practice Hospital is to make quality healthcare accessible, reliable, and affordable for every patient. This mission reflects our belief that healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege reserved for a few. We are committed to breaking barriers that prevent people from receiving timely medical attention—whether those barriers are financial, geographical, or related to awareness. Accessibility means ensuring that patients can reach us easily, both in terms of location and affordability.
Reliability means that every patient can trust the consistency, professionalism, and compassion of our services. Affordability ensures that no one is denied treatment because of economic limitations. Together, these values guide our doctors, nurses, and staff in delivering care that not only treats illnesses but also builds long-term trust and healthier communities.
4. How do you define your vision for the hospital’s role in the community?
General Practice Hospital envisions itself as more than just a healthcare provider—it aspires to be a pillar of trust, education, and wellbeing within the community.
We aim to be the first choice for families seeking safe, ethical, and reliable care. By offering quality services at affordable costs, we reduce the burden of traveling far or resorting to inconsistent options.
Beyond treating illness, our role includes promoting preventive healthcare through screenings, awareness campaigns, and community education. We provide a structured, modern, and collaborative environment, striving to bring advanced techniques and global best practices into the local community without making them financially inaccessible.
Above all, we want General Practice Hospital to be known as the place “where care comes first”—where every patient, regardless of background, is treated with dignity, empathy, and respect.
5. In your opinion, what makes General Practice unique compared to other healthcare facilities?
Unlike traditional hospitals that can feel intimidating or mechanical, General Practice was designed as a fusion of hospitality and healthcare. Patients are welcomed into an environment where dignity, comfort, and respect are prioritized alongside treatment.
Our consultants are carefully selected, highly skilled, and encouraged to work in collaborative teams. This ensures patients receive multi-disciplinary care rather than isolated opinions—leading to better outcomes and higher satisfaction.
We are committed to introducing the latest medical techniques, technologies, and surgical advancements into the local community while keeping them financially accessible. This balance of innovation and affordability distinguishes us from many high-end private facilities.
Every system—whether OPD, IPD, OT, ICU, NICU, or diagnostics—is designed with the patient journey in mind. Short waiting times, transparent communication, and ethical care are central to our philosophy.
General Practice is not just a business—it is a mission to improve healthcare delivery in Islamabad and beyond.
6. What lessons would you share with other doctors thinking of starting their own medical facility?
Many doctors dream of owning a facility, but the true difference comes when you start with a clear purpose: why you are building it, and what gap you are filling in the healthcare system. Profit follows service, not the other way around.
From OPD layout to OT systems, always ask: “How does this make the patient’s journey easier, safer, and more dignified?” Facilities built around patient experience earn trust and loyalty faster than those focused only on revenue.
A hospital is never about one doctor. Success comes from handpicking the right consultants, nurses, and staff and cultivating a culture of teamwork and respect. A supportive team multiplies your impact far more than individual effort.
Cutting corners on equipment, protocols, or staffing may save money in the short term, but it undermines credibility in the long run. If you make quality and safety non-negotiable, your facility will earn a reputation no marketing budget can buy.
Being a good doctor does not automatically make you a good administrator. Learn—or partner with people who understand—finance, HR, compliance, governance, and operations. This prevents burnout and ensures sustainability.
Most importantly, never forget why you became a doctor. Compassion must remain the soul of your institution. Patients may forget your exact treatment, but they will never forget how you made them feel.
7. Where do you see General Practice in the next five or ten years?
In the next five years, I see General Practice expanding from a single hospital into a network of secondary-care and specialized centers across Islamabad and, eventually, other cities. Each facility will carry the same DNA of hospitality, innovation, and affordability.
I envision us becoming a regional leader in surgical excellence and critical care, attracting patients not only from Islamabad but also from surrounding regions.
Over the next decade, we will expand our role in preventive medicine and public health awareness—through screening drives, education programs, and outreach clinics—so that our impact extends beyond hospital walls into the everyday health of families.
We plan to integrate digital health tools, telemedicine, and AI-assisted diagnostics, enabling better access for patients, faster decision-making for doctors, and smarter hospital management.
In ten years, I see General Practice as a self-sustaining, scalable model of healthcare delivery in Pakistan—balancing innovation with affordability, and serving as an example for future healthcare entrepreneurs.
8. In one sentence, how would you like patients to describe General Practice?
“General Practice is the hospital where patients feel genuinely cared for—modern, affordable, and compassionate healthcare under one roof.”
