KARACHI, Oct 1: Since the change of guard at the Civil Hospital Karachi and the handing over of its administration’s charge to Capt Dr Mirza Raza Ali, there has been speculation about the fate of 20-odd development projects that were launched in recent years there.

Rumours have it that the development projects are in doldrums because the donors are wary of the new medical superintendent. They are unsure if Capt Dr Ali will extend as much cooperation to them as did his predecessor, Prof Noshad Shaikh.

According to a couple of sources, some projects that were in planning stages have been shelved for the time being. They said the projects that were particularly affected included the burns ward and diagnostic and outpatients department.

When the CHK’s new medical superintendent was asked about this on Wednesday, he said efforts were being made to keep all the projects on track. “Why should any project be affected?” asked Capt Dr Ali.

“These projects were launched by my predecessor in his capacity as the CHK’s medical superintendent and not in his personal capacity.” All the agreements will be honoured in the spirit in which they were initialled.

Capt Dr Raza Ali said he was in touch with most of the donors involved. “These people came to our hospital with the feelings of a philanthropists. That’s why it’s our duty to honour and cherish their efforts.”

He claimed that he had met Abdullah Feroz specifically to allay his fears and apprehensions. “Believe me, I am trying to meet each and every philanthropist and donor personally.

“I met Mr Abdullah for the same reason. As a result of our good meeting, the renovated and expanded burns ward will be opened shortly.”

The CHK’s medical superintendent said Abdul Sami Khan, who was involved in the building of an expanded diagnostic and outpatients department, had promised to extend Rs1 million so that a floor could be added to the existing plan. H claimed the casualty ward would also be refurbished, even expanded, for the benefit of the Karachiites.

Capt Dr Ali said he wanted to improve the services available at the CHK so much that people had no qualms at coming over to the CHK whenever they needed to. “I want that the common people don’t have to spend their hard-earned money at the private hospitals.”

Meanwhile, Prof Noshad Shaikh, who resigned more than 15 days ago as the hospital’s medical superintendent due to differences with the health adviser, is still waiting for a posting. When queried, he told Dawn the other day that as per the rules and regulations he should keep on working as a professor of surgery at the CHK.

He did not elaborate. However, a source said the health adviser and health secretary had ganged up against Prof Shaikh and he was being denied a posting so that he could become demotivated and demoralized.