Boundary wall demolition sparks protest

ATH warns that ongoing drainage work could trigger monsoon flooding

ABBOTTABAD:

The administration of Ayub Teaching Hospital (ATH) has expressed grave concern over an alleged operation carried out by the National Highway Authority (NHA), in coordination with the district administration, at the hospital's Gate No 5, claiming that a protective boundary wall was demolished without official authorisation, prior notice or court approval.

According to the hospital administration, officials carried out the operation without producing any written order, notification or judicial directive, despite repeated requests from hospital authorities. It maintained that the action was in violation of an interim order issued by the Civil Court, Abbottabad, in a civil suit involving the hospital and the NHA.

Hospital officials referred to the court's interim injunction, which restrained the respondents from interfering with the disputed property, directed all parties to maintain the status quo, and issued notices to all respondents, including the NHA General Manager and the Deputy Commissioner of Abbottabad.

The administration further stated that the ongoing work involves diverting rainwater from an approximately eight-foot-wide storm-water drain into a drain only two feet wide. It warned that the reduced drainage capacity could impede the natural flow of water during heavy monsoon rains, creating a serious flood risk within the hospital premises.

According to the administration, any flooding could affect both Ayub Teaching Hospital and the adjoining INOR Hospital, placing medical equipment, medicines and other healthcare assets worth billions of rupees, procured with public funds, at risk.

It cautioned that any resulting damage or disruption to healthcare services would be the responsibility of the agencies carrying out the operation.

Associate Hospital Director Dr Daud Iqbal, Duty Deputy Medical Superintendent (DMS) Dr Junaid Sarwar Malik, officials from the Maintenance Department and other relevant officers visited the site, reviewed the situation and briefed the concerned authorities on the potential consequences of the ongoing work.

The hospital administration urged the provincial government and other competent authorities to intervene immediately, ensure compliance with court orders and legal procedures, and take urgent measures to safeguard the hospital's infrastructure, patients and valuable public assets from avoidable damage.

Hospital officials also recalled that a similar dispute had previously been adjudicated by the Civil Court, Abbottabad, which, according to the administration, resulted in judicial directions favouring the maintenance of the existing position. They stressed that any future action concerning the site should be undertaken strictly in accordance with the law and only after due consultation with the hospital authorities.

No official response from the NHA or the district administration was available at the time of filing this report.