KARACHI, Aug 28: Due to opposition from senior officials and doctors, the Sindh Health Department has withdrawn its decision to demolish the Services Hospital Karachi for a new project.

The project called “Accident and Emergency Centre and Ancillary Services Complex (AECASC)” will now be initiated at its previous location in the Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK).

Sources told PPI on Sunday that there was complete consensus at all levels for establishment of the AECASC.

It has been discussed at all forums, and the provincial government is very serious and keen on initiating the project as early as possible in the larger public interest, the sources added.

The federal government has not only agreed to fund the important mega project with Rs1,438 million but has also allocated Rs250 million in the current fiscal year under the federal PSDP.

Keeping in view its importance and urgent need, the governor Sindh has already laid the foundation stone on Dec 13, 2004 at the CHK behind its eye ward.

Offices of the civil surgeon, chemical examiner, police surgeon, blood transfusion authority and Aids control programme are located on the premises of the Services Hospital.

The AECASC project is an eight-storey new block with a two-storey basement for an accident and emergency centre. It will initially have almost 100 beds with some private rooms.

About the decision, Secretary Health Prof Noshad Shaikh said it had not been decided to relocate the project to the Services Hospital.—PPI