Non-functional: PIMS without central cooling, telephone exchange since 2013

Patients said to be at risk as temperature rises in the capital

ISLAMABAD: As the temperature spikes to 40 degrees centigrade, patients at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) are being put under risk due to the extreme heat and associated negative effects as its central cooling and telephone exchange systems are non-functional. Officials requesting anonymity have complained that the systems are rusted and burned out since 2013.

Doctors are of the view that as the mercury shoots up, so does the patients’ morbidity and mortality rates, especially for those in critical condition.

The non-functional telephonic exchange system is affecting communication means in the hospital, said relevant officials. Although installation of a new system been promised several times it has so far proved to be only lip service and a false claim, they said.

A senior doctor at the hospital confirmed these complaints, and requesting anonymity informed that the central cooling and telephonic system were installed more than 30 years back and have worked to their full capacity. He added that the systems need replacement and for that purpose the Pims management advertised a tender and two companies were eventually short-listed but were later rejected due to some issues.

“The PIMS management is now in the process of re-tendering for the equipment and a budget of around Rs300 million is on the table, yet to be approved by the relevant ministry,” he said.

“As a temporary measure we have installed heavy-duty air conditioners in intensive care units where it is absolutely necessary to keep a balanced temperature”, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 27^th, 2015.