KARACHI, June 8: Keeping in view the gross mismanagement, struggle for powers and lack of co-ordination at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital (ASH) and Karachi Medical and Dental College (KMDC), a comprehensive plan has been prepared , which will constitute an autonomous joint governing body to run the affairs of these two public sector institutions.

According to sources in the city district government Karachi (CDGK) a committee comprising experts from various walks of life and headed by Prof Masood Javed, medical superintendent, ASH worked out the proposal, and submitted a detailed report to the city nazim Naimatullah Khan in this regard.

Besides ASH and KMDC, the plan also covers all other health and education institutions of CDGK, which could be run on the same pattern as proposed for ASH and KMDC.The document further gives suggestions for the possible composition of a proposed governing body, eligibility of its members, and authority of sub-organisations and their heads.

The document would soon be tabled in the City Council Karachi for approval and implementation, sources added. A high-level meeting presided over by city nazim Naimatullah Khan recently had also agreed in principle to follow recommendations of the committee.

Sources in city government said the proposed governing body under the suggested by-laws would be autonomous under powers delegated to it by CDGK. As per recommendations, the city government could establish new educational and medical institutions under the proposed by-laws, while it could also apply the laws to the existing ones.

According to details, the governing body, responsible for running the affairs would comprise a chairman and 13 members from public institutions and the civil society. Official members of the body would include EDO Health and Finance or their representatives, chairman Finance Committee of City Council, Chairman Major Hospitals Committee, and chief executive officer.

While, non-official members would include a renowned lawyer, KCCI representative, CPSP president's representative, representative of vice-chancellor University of Karachi, one MPA, renowned medical professionals, a renowned lady doctor and a representative of Institute of Chartered Accountant of Pakistan (ICAP).

Non-official members would be selected with the recommendations of CDGK's Health Department with the approval from city nazim and having a two-year period as members of council. The governing body would have full powers to deal with affairs of institutions and to chalk out a line of action for running them.

The body would also have powers to approve of the policies of institutions under the approved government policy, and pass the annual development and non-development budget. It would also give approval for conducting educational and research programmes, and ensure the arrangements for medical treatment of city government employees. -PPI