KARACHI, Feb 9: The up-gradation of the Institute of Skin Diseases has entered its final stages and work is expected to be completed in two months.

The unique features of the Rs70 million project comprise a state-of-the-art allergy centre, two separate clinics for Sexually Transmitted Diseases, clinics dealing with HIV/Aids and leprosy patients, a library and a small auditorium.

The director of the institute, Dr Sikander Azam Mahar, said the project was unique as the country had only one allergy centre operating in Islamabad. The institute’s STD clinic, the only one in Pakistan with a lab facility, would be improved, he said.

“We are making a new lab and purchasing latest machines which are not available anywhere in the country for the treatment of skin ailments. On average 5,000 patients report daily at the OPD. Of them, over 1,000 patients come with allergy complaints. Right now, it’s hard to make the right diagnosis since the institute lacks modern lab facilities. A state-of-the-art allergy centre would fill this gap and patients would receive appropriate treatment,” he said.

The entire building is being renovated and the new computerised system will be in place soon. After the makeover, the institute will have a micro-drum abrasion machine for acne treatment, facilities for cryotherapy and electro-cauterisation to treat skin growths and photo-chemotherapy (puva) to treat white patches on the skin.

Dr Sikander said that the project was the result of his 20-year-long association with Professor Dr Adeebul Hasan Rizvi, who he said, was doing a great service to the nation.

One of the oldest skin hospitals in the country, the 50-bed Institute of Skin Diseases, is being refurbished and upgraded with the support of Sindh government and philanthropists. It receives patients from all over the country and also from Afghanistan. They are provided with medicines and treatment free of cost.

Earlier called the Skin and Social Centre, the institute started off as an STD clinic in 1940s for sailors and later turned into a full-fledged skin hospital. Of 64 doctors working there, 34 are skin specialists. The institute also provides diploma and postgraduate training, which is at the moment stands suspended due to renovation.