KARACHI, Feb 21: An operation theatre complex, completed under private-public partnership about four months ago at a cost of Rs150 million, is still not functional as electricity is not available, say Civil Hospital Karachi officials.

Had the electricity been arranged, surgeons could have performed 4,000 surgeries todate at 14 state-of-the-art theatres in the complex. This facility is meant to replace the existing operation theatres, including surgical, ophthalmology, eye, plastic surgery, paediatrics and other departments of CHK.

The students of Dow Medical College belonging to the Class of 1978, came together to contribute a state-of-the-art operation theatre complex.

The complex with all complementing areas like 16-bed recovery wards, sterilised corridors, dirty linen storage and disposal, autoclave, wet and dirty storage, staff and doctor rooms, was complete in all respects and awaiting a formal opening as well, it was further learnt.

Prof Shafiqur Rehman, the coordinator of the Dowites OT Complex project launched in 2003, told Dawn that the theatre facility needed separate electricity supply, but the progress with the KESC on the issue had not been up to mark. After a lot of efforts, the KESC issued a demand note for payment some months ago.

“However, we have not been able to pay to the KESC for its proposed services so far, as the amount involved is huge and beyond the capacity of the contributors,” he said.

The civil hospital Medical Superintendent, Dr Kaleem Butt, said the KESC note for the project was received two months ago. Since then, the OT complex contributors and the Chairman of CHK Board of Governors, Abu Shamim M. Ariff, were trying to arrange the money. The power utility had demanded Rs4.5 million for exclusive supply to the complex, he said.

“We are also forwarding letters from Professor Shafiqur Rehman to the chief minister, provincial health minister and secretary, requesting them to ensure a separate allocation for early payment to KESC,” Dr Butt said, adding that the board of governors was looking at other options also.

According to a source, the operation theatres of the century-old Civil Hospital Karachi are facing a number of problems due to financial and other constraints and about 35 per cent of the patients needing surgery have to go elsewhere.

Meanwhile, a surgery-cum-audio-conferencing is being held at the OT complex today (Thursday), as a part of the pre-symposium workshops of the Dow University Health Sciences. The 3rd annual international symposium of DHUS will be inaugurated by Sindh Health Minister Syed Sardar Ahmed on February 24.