Basement rot raises alarm at BBGH

Decades-old stagnant water threatens hospital foundations; dengue risk grows

RAWALPINDI:

The main building of Benazir Bhutto General Hospital (BBGH) has reportedly reached a dangerous state, as stagnant and contaminated water, accumulated for decades in the OPD basement, is now causing a foul stench and severe sanitation concerns.

The situation poses a structural risk to the building and could also become a breeding ground for dengue.

Standing water in the hospital's OPD basement has, over a prolonged period, come to resemble a polluted pond or open sewage.

The water—accumulated up to knee level—has not only created serious environmental hazards but has also weakened the building's foundations. Crumbling walls and a deteriorating structure now present a significant risk to hundreds of patients, doctors and staff.

Sources say the 65-year-old, 1,000-bed facility has had its basement closed for the past 16 to 17 years. However, no permanent drainage system exists to remove the collected water.

The deteriorated condition of the basement has allegedly hollowed out the building's foundations, raising fears of a potential major disaster.

Hospital sources claim that, in the past, millions of rupees were approved and released for upgradation works. However, the utilisation of funds allocated for the basement's restoration remains unclear, prompting questions over expenditure.

Meanwhile, hospital administration officials inform that a water pump has been installed to drain the basement, but water continues to seep into the OPD basement throughout the year.

The BBGH's Medical Superintendent said that repeated letters have been sent to the relevant departments seeking resolution of the issue, but no effective action has yet been taken.

The administration has described the deteriorating condition of the OPD as a serious concern, calling for immediate attention and a permanent solution.