KARACHI, Aug 3: The Sindh minister for finance, Syed Sardar Ahmed, paid a surprise visit to an under construction urban health centre in North Karachi.

The foundation stone of the centre in Sector 5-C/3 was laid in 1990, but it remained under illegal occupation until the senior minister got it vacated after winning election from the same constituency where the centre was located.

The three-storey urban centre covering an area 9,800 sq-ft, would initially have 36 beds, two OPDs, an OT, and accommodation for doctors and nurses. While the senior minister, on the growing demands of area people, called on various cardiologists, including surgeon Abdul Bari, physician Dr Khawaja Aijaz and Dr Majid to discuss the possibilities of establishing a cardiac section at the hospital.

Dr Bari informed the minister of the unavailability of any hospital in the whole area of North Karachi/New Karachi for cardiac patients, and said establishment of a cardiac section in the hospital would greatly facilitate area people.

Sardar Ahmed assured them that necessary equipment would soon be provided to make the cardiac section operational in the hospital. He also directed the hospital administration to establish a canteen and medical Store.

Sitting arrangements for patients and visitors had already been made in the garden. Deputy district officer, Younis Qureshi, district officer, Planning Ali Hassan Abro, SHO Javed and others were also present. - APP