SIALKOT, July 8: The cardiology unit at the Allama Iqbal Memorial DHQ Hospital, after its closure due to lack of staff and facilities two years back, is now a safe heaven for stray dogs and cats.

The unit established by local philanthropists and exporters on self-help basis about a decade ago with a view to provide better treatment facilities to the local people is an example of apathy and neglect of the hospital authorities and the district health officials.

A visit to the unit reveals that the machinery installed there is rusting due to the absence of any maintenance, while the windowpanes of the locked building are broken allowing stray dogs and cats to use the place as shelter.

The unit was reportedly closed down about two and half years ago by the hospital management due to an acute shortage of doctors, paramedical staff and the required equipment.

Deploring staff shortage, Medical Superintendent Dr.Zafar Niazi said there were only 16 medical officers at the hospital against 84 sanctioned seats, while, only 27 nurses were working against 75 posts. Amid such a crisis-like situation it was not possible for the hospital management to run a sensitive department like cardiology unit, he added.

District Nazim Muhammad Akmal Cheema, expressing concern over the unit’s condition, said the district government had directed the local health department officials to make all out efforts to restart the facility. The district government had allocated a special Rs6.2 million fund for the purchase of modern medical equipment for the unit, he added.

SOUTH AFRICAN ENVOY: Acting High Commissioner of South Africa M. M. Mesatywa has stressed on the need of making efforts for boosting bilateral trade ties with Pakistan.