Fire-hit eye ward remains closed
The hospital ward, which was left a charred wreck, had been newly built for coronavirus patients. PHOTO: AFP
More than a month has passed since a fire broke out in the Eye Ward of Khanewal District Hospital on June 10, yet the facility remains non-operational, leaving hundreds of patients without access to treatment and surgeries.
Despite regular visits by the deputy commissioner, progress appears limited with little practical improvement on the ground.
The hospital sources revealed that it would cost only around Rs50,000 to restore the ward. However, due to alleged negligence and inefficiency of the hospital's medical superintendent (MS), the matter remains unresolved.
The ward caters to hundreds of patients each day, many of whom now face delays in eye surgeries and check-ups.
Four ophthalmic surgeons - Dr Waqar, Dr Atta Rasool, Dr Sabiha and Dr Aamir Tirmizi - have been left without work in the interim.
One of the doctors, speaking anonymously, stated that due to the inaction of the hospital and district administration, thousands of low-income patients have been forced to seek expensive treatments in the private sector.
There are also allegations of malpractice involving the procurement of eye lenses.
According to insider sources, some hospital doctors reportedly have these lenses stocked at private medical stores outside the hospital.
Patients are allegedly instructed to buy them at inflated prices, which are then shared between store owners and certain medical staff.
When the situation was highlighted, district officials appeared to respond, with increased visits and media coverage. Photographs of the deputy commissioner inspecting the ward have been sent to the media and the Punjab government by the district's information office.
However, conflicting reports continue to emerge. When asked about the ward's current status, one doctor claimed it is fully operational, while another said it is ready for reopening and the deputy commissioner is scheduled to inaugurate it soon.
Daily, the ward is said to receive over 100 patients, with hundreds of eye surgeries conducted weekly before the fire.
Adding to the hospital's woes, a separate incident was reported last week, where the absence of blood pressure monitoring equipment allegedly led to a patient's death.
The incident sparked a protest by the deceased's family, further underscoring the urgent need for improved healthcare services in the district.