KARACHI, Jan 12: The spirit of charity was well-marked when the newly-constructed wing of the Medical Unit 11 (Ward 6) was inaugurated at the Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre on Saturday.

The building project— which at present is a 48-bed facility, spread over 11,000 sq. ft comprises two separate spacious, well- lit, well-ventilated wards to accommodate male and female patients, a three-bed ICU unit, accommodations for on-duty doctors besides separate toilets and kitchens for the two wings—was financed through contributions made by private donors and philanthropists raised through the efforts of the Medicine and Endocrine Foundation.

Each ward has central oxygen and suction facility, close- circuit monitoring and pantry for patients needs. The foundation of the building is fortified to hold additional three stories where in future a library, computer room, tutorial rooms, lecture hall, laboratories and stores will be set up. For the new building half of the portion of the old barracks housing the Medical Unit 11 was razed down.

Head of the Medical Unit 11, Prof Tasneem Ahsan, in her speech at the ceremony acknowledged the contribution of the members of the Medicine and Endocrine Foundation and philantropists.

She traced the origin of the ward and highlighted its various on-going activities. She also mentioned plans for further expansion of Medical Unit 11 and setting up of speciality clinics.

Former director of JPMC, Prof I. H. Bhatti, was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, he asked the doctors and staff of the ward to remain mindful of their obligation to the patients in providing them quality medical care.