SWABI: The coronavirus pandemic has stalled the construction work on the new building of the district headquarters hospital, thus delaying its completion beyond the stipulated date of next year, sources in the health department and the hospital told Dawn on Thursday.

They said costing Rs507 million, the project was opened by then provincial health minister Shahram Khan Tarakai during the previous tenure of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government.

After the establishment of Gajju Khan Medical College Swabi, the DHQ hospital would be used as teaching hospital along with the Bacha Khan Hospital Complex, Shahmansoor, the sources said.

However, they added the local PTI leaders and the communication and the works department officials wanted the contractor to complete the project within the stipulated time. They said the new building would have total 210 beds and all wards would be situated in one building for ease of the patients and their attendants.

Meanwhile, an official of the communication and works department said capacity of the children ward had also been enhanced. Similarly, the gynaecology ward had also been enlarged, he added.

The official said the new building would have all the modern equipment for conducting tests and meeting other needs of the patients.

When contacted, a senior doctor said with the completion of the building they would be able to further improve the facilities and meet the health requirements of the locals.

PROTEST: The residents of Sodher village blocked the Chota Lahor-Adina Road after a man was killed when he was hit by a truck on Thursday.

The protesters asked the district administration to stop huge trucks carrying sand from using the road during the daytime, and bind the drivers of heavy vehicles to maintain slow speed while passing through the congested area.

Later, the protesters dispersed after the officials assured them that the erring truck driver would be arrested.

Published in Dawn, July 17th, 2020