KARACHI, Dec 13: The neuro-surgery department of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital is expected to become operational after remaining closed for two years as a senior neuro-surgeon of Karachi has expressed his consent to serve Abbasi Shaheed hospital and Karachi Medical and Dental Collage (KMDC) on contract basis.

ASH is the only City government hospital to have this facility but the department has been in-operational for two years due to non-availability of a senior doctor in the field.

Dr Masood Javed has agreed teach in KMDC as a Professor and head of Neuro department, as well as practice in Abbasi Shaheed Hospital on two days a week.

It is hoped that all required formalities will be completed by Eid and the equipment and machines of neuro-ward will also be made functional by that time. Apart from this, about 12 doctors belonging to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital who are serving in different medical units of the City Government are being repatriated some of whom have previously served in the neuro ward of Abbasi. The reopening of neuro ward in Abbasi will also be of great support to students of the KMDC.

The issue of reopening of neuro ward in Abbasi Shaheed hospital came to limelight on Sept 20 during Nazim Karachi Naimatullah Khan’s visit to the hospital who directed the EDO, Health and MS Abbasi Shaheed hospital to take steps to make the department functional.

Apart from the Abbasi Shaheed hospital, the neuro-surgery department is functional in JPMC and Civil Hospital both operated by federal and provincial governments respectively.

It made be recalled that the KMDC had announced appointment of few assistant professors in neurology through Sindh Public Service Commission

but unfortunately none showed up.

The Sindh health department is also facing a shortage of specialists and consultants and despite repeated announcements made through public service commission, no candidate has come forward.—PPI