Host of problems plague Nishtar Hospital

More than half of CCTV cameras and other security equipment are broken

MULTAN: A lack of proper security arrangements at Nishtar Medical College and Hospital has caused staff to worry for their safety.

While the administration has employed a number of guards, more than 50% of CCTV cameras and other security equipment, installed in hospital premises and at the hostels, are broken. Just a few days ago, a female doctor was mugged outside one of the wards as she was returning late at night.

In the wake of this incident, the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) demanded the authorities concerned take strict action to prevent such occurrences. Moreover, sources have alleged that the f guards deputed to ensure security is unprofessional and spend a large chunk of their time quarrelling with patients and their attendants. The hallways of the hostel also lack proper lighting, which makes them difficult to manoeuvre during the night.

‘Nishter Hospital DMS suspended over non-serious attitude’

PMA Multan Chapter President Dr Masoodur Rauf Hiraj has demanded that the security issues be resolved immediately and has called for staff to protest against the hospital’s management in case these issues persist.

This is not the only issue that plagues the medical facility. Reportedly, the x-ray machine at the hospital’s emergency ward has now been out-of-order for the past two months. Further, the pathology lab is also not functioning which has become a major inconvenience for patients and their attendants.

Because of the broken x-ray machine and an out-of-order pathology lab, patients are forced to opt for private labs which can cost a pretty penny.

Moreover, citizens visiting the emergency ward are directed towards ward 13 for an x-ray which makes it challenging to obtain the results on a priority basis due to a large influx of patients.

Sources claimed that PMA has requested the administration to address these issues multiple times. However, the administration has failed to take any concrete steps in this regard.

‘PC-1 for Nishtar Hospital II being finalised’

Recently, Punjab Energy Minister Akhtar Malik proposed to transfer Nishtar Medical College and Hospital to solar power. He expressed these views while visiting the facility. A meeting, which will be chaired by the minister, has been called in Lahore to discuss practical steps for converting the hospital onto solar power.

Nishtar Medical College Vice Chancellor Dr Mustafa Kamal Pasha said that the facility will be converted to solar power within the next few months.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 8^th, 2019.