‘Ghost’ hospital surfaces in Site area

Built nine years ago, the healthcare facility lies forgotten and abandoned

KARACHI:

A 'ghost' hospital built by the government at a huge cost nine years ago lies forgotten and abandoned as it is not registered with the Sindh Healthcare Commission.

The government decided about 15 years ago to build a hospital near Khyber Chowk in Site area to provide healthcare facilities to the people of the densely populated area.

According to sources, construction of the hospital began soon after but hit roadblock after roadblock. The building was finally completed in 2013, but unfortunately, it has been lying forgotten and abandoned ever since, sources added. It could not be made functional despite the passage of nine years.

The sources said that the building is in pretty good condition, but it has neither medical or paramedical staff nor any equipment.

The existence of this hospital came to light during a visit by The Express Tribune team. When approached for information, the Sindh Healthcare Commission said: "The hospital is not registered with us."

Local residents say that it seems the government has forgotten the hospital while they have to take their patients to the hospitals several kilometers away even in emergency situations.

Local residents say that it was supposed to be a 50-bed hospital which was to be named 'Khursheed Begum Hospital'. Later, the flags of a political party were also put up on top of the building, but neither the Sindh government nor the city government came forward to operationalize the hospital. Now, this hospital has become a watchman's shelter.

Several political figures visited the Town and promised to make the hospital functional, but to no avail as the issue of jurisdiction came up. "If this hospital becomes functional, then we will not have to take our patients to Qatar Hospital or Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for medical treatment," one resident said.

"We demand that government officials and political figures leave aside the issue of jurisdiction and work together to make this hospital functional for the greater good of people," he added.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, December 12^th, 2022.