KARACHI, Oct 5: As many as 26 operations had to be postponed in the last two days at orthopaedic operation theatres of the Civil Hospital Karachi due to non-availability of water in the theatres.

On Tuesday, 16 surgeries were to be done in Orthopaedic-II OT, but 14 of those were postponed due to insufficient water. Though the hospital often faces water shortage problems owing to the suspension of supply by the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board, it was not the case on Tuesday. Water was available in the hospital, but, there was none of PWD staff present to operate the machine to supply water to the operation theatres of Civil hospital, a doctor working in the ward told PPI on Wednesday.

When officials of PWD were contacted for supply of water to the theatres, they replied that the staff could not reach the office due to transporters strike in the city.

On Wednesday, 12 operations were postponed due to the same reason of non-availability of water in Orthopaedic-I OT.

Since Tuesday, power supply was also suspended for many hours affecting the working of operation theatres.

The doctor said there was a long waiting list at orthopaedic operation theatres and patients had to wait for weeks and even months for surgeries.

The Medical Superintendent of Civil Hospital Karachi, Dr Kaleem Butt, when contacted said that he took serious notice of the postponement of surgeries at both wards as such incidence directly affected the health of patients.

Since PWD staff was not under the administrative control of the MS, hospital administration is unable to take any stringent action against responsible C&W employees. However, a letter has been sent to the Secretary and Superintending Engineer of C&W to take notice of the situation, Dr Kaleem said.

He said that a letter had also been written to MD KESC to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity to the operation theatres and other departments of the hospital. Basically, provision of water and electricity in the hospital is the responsibility of PWD staff, but they did not fulfil their responsibilities at optimum level, he added.

The CHK’s MS further said that bathrooms of the hospital were in very bad shape while a huge amount was spent under scheme of their repair.

“On paper, the scheme has been completed but bathrooms are still in very pathetic condition and the responsible agency is PWD. I have also spoken to the health minister and apprised him about the situation. The minister has assured to convene a high-level meeting with the officials concerned to solve such problems,” he added. —PPI