SIALKOT, Feb 8: The project to set up a burn unit at the Allama Iqbal Memorial Hospital is in doldrums as the finance department has refused to provide funds to the health department for the purpose.

Former district nazim Mian Naeem Javed had announced about two and a half years ago setting up of the unit at an estimated cost of Rs20 million to be provided by the then district government.

He had laid the foundation of the project, but no progress has so far been made.

When contacted, EDO (health) Capt Dr Khalid Mahmood said on Wednesday the then Sialkot district government could not generate the required funds.

He said the present district government has not yet decided to undertake the project.

Meanwhile, nazim Akmal Cheema said the district government would not drop this public welfare project and make efforts for getting funds from the provincial and district governments for the unit.

There is no burn unit for 3.3 million population of Sialkot and the burnt patients have to go to Gujranwala, Lahore and Islamabad for treatment.