KARACHI, June 30: Adviser to Sindh Chief Minister on health Nauman Saigal on Monday inaugurated the renal dialysis unit at Lyari General Hospital.

Speaking as chief guest, he said the establishment of dialysis unit in a backward locality of the city, such as Lyari, was a healthy sign and secretary health Ashique Hussain Memon, MS Ali Nawaz Khoso and his team deserve appreciation.

The advisor urged the professors and doctors to give more time to dialysis patients.

Nauman Saigal announced a grant of Rs10 lakh for the purchase of new machinery and Rs5 lakh for repair and reconditioning of the old-ones from provincial health department funds and asked that the same amount would be released to the hospital within a week and more funds would be provided to hospital. Nauman Saigal also announced Rs50,000 from his pocket.

He said there was no dearth of philanthropists in the city but they need assurance of fair utilization of their money and there are bright examples of such people who have been assisting the government in the provision of medical facilities to the poor.

Nauman Saigal said there was need for a joint struggle to make Pakistan and the Sindh province a welfare state where problems of people are swiftly resolved.

He asked the paramedics that they are free to do private works after performing their duties with honesty and responsibility.

Secretary Health Ashique Memon addressing to the gathering praised the efforts of Nauman Saigal and said in his guidance, the health department was providing facilities to hospitals all over the province.

He said that the aforesaid dialysis unit had remained closed for many years and with the efforts of the MS and his team, it was being revived.

The secretary dispelled the impression that proper health care facilities are not provided at government hospitals.

Highlighting the working of the hospital, MS Ali Nawaz Khoso said that daily 2,000 patients are attained in the OPD while there are 250 beds to accommodate patients.

However, he said that the hospital lacked expert doctors and necessary medical equipment.

Principal of Dow Medical College Dr. Tipu Sultan also addressed on the occasion. MS Civil Hospital Karachi, DG Health, Principal of SMC and distinguished personalities of medical field were also present in the ceremony.—APP