ISLAMABAD: As many as seven modular operation theatres (MOTs) at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) could not be made functional even after six months of their completion.

According to sources, over 50 major and 100 minor initially projected surgeries were not being conducted daily due to the delay, straining old surgical facilities.

They said the hospital management was allegedly trying to get the completed project inaugurated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to apparently avoid inquiries into the alleged controversies that surfaced during the bidding and construction phases of the MOTs.

MOTs are prefabricated surgical suites designed for enhanced functionality, sterility and efficiency in medical settings. These theatres are constructed using pre-engineered modules that integrate advanced medical equipment, optimal airflow systems and customisable designs.

Rubbishing the allegations, Pims Executive Director (ED) Dr Rana Imran Sikander said the theatres were not being made operational due to insufficient human resources. He claimed that the issue would be addressed at the earliest.

He said that currently, hundreds of vacancies need to be filled through the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC).

“I have started the process of appointments and I am also trying to appoint staff on a contract basis so that the deficiency of staff could be addressed,” he said.

A senior doctor at the hospital, wishing not to be quoted, said that the project faced a number of controversies as the contract was awarded to the second lowest bidder. Initially, it was also stayed by the Islamabad High Court in 2022.

“During the construction phase, a number of allegations were made but finally, the seven MOTs were completed almost six months back, he added.

Another doctor, Saifur Rehman, expressed similar views and said the project was approved at former prime minister Imran Khan’s cousin Nousherwan Burki’s direction.

However, it was challenged in the IHC as the contract was awarded to a company that offered Rs1.48 billion instead of the one that offered Rs800 million, he said. “Now efforts are being made to get it inaugurated by the incumbent PM so that the Federal Investigation Agency does start an inquiry.

Dr Saif alleged that the hospital was being run on an ad-hoc basis. He said a retired professor has got an extension for the second time and has been working as dean.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2025