KARACHI, July 24: The city government has finalized by-laws for Karachi Institute of Heart Diseases, being established in the old building of Karachi Medical and Dental College.

Under the new by-laws, a governing body would be established to devise rules and regulations to run the institute.

The governing body, to be headed by city nazim, would have members from government organizations and civil society. The KIHD's chief executive would be the secretary of governing body, who would be appointed by the nazim. The secretary would enjoy all administrative and financial powers of the institute.

The by-laws covers all aspects from administrative, finance, audit and accounts point of view to appoint required staff for the institute. Under the new by-laws, the Karachi Institute of Heart Diseases would be an autonomous body having the powers to buy and sell movable and immovable property with the condition of city government's approval.

Objectives of the institute spelled out in by-laws document include provision of latest cardio treatment to people, attainment of required facilities to diagnose and treat heart diseases, interaction with local and foreign organizations after the approval of city government.

Besides, the institute would conduct research programmes about prevention from heart diseases and their treatment along with public awareness programmes, arrange education and training courses for students, postgraduate doctors and nurses of medical colleges.

Certain powers are specified for the proposed governing body under the by-laws, including supervision of affairs of the institute and taking necessary steps for fulfilment of objectives of the institute.

The governing body would be bound to meet at least four times in a year and consult the city government on policy matters.

It has been proposed in the by-laws that the governing body would have the powers to form working groups and sub-committees, if needed for fulfilment of institute's objectives. These sub- committees and working groups would be assigned different tasks by the governing body.

Nine sources of revenue have been specified for the institute, including annual grants from federal, provincial and city governments; generation of income from investment; local and foreign donations; loans; and a couple of other sources.

The governing body would have the authority to take all decisions for the appointment of official and other staff for the institute. Section-23 of the Industrial Relations Ordinance, 1969 would not applicable on officials and staff of the institute. The resolution for the approval of by-laws is expected to be tabled in the next session of city council.

It may be recalled here that the foundation stone of Karachi Institute of Heart Diseases was laid down in February. - PPI