NAWABSHAH, Feb 17: Poor patients at the People's Medical College Hospital here were suffering due to non-availability of Zakat funds, inquiries by this correspondent revealed.

The lack of Zakat funds is caused by a controversy over a Zakat cheque. A Rs17.5 million cheque of Zakat funds was received by the PMCH medical superintendent on Jan 1, 2004, which was deposited by him in the United Bank of Masjid Road Branch.

District Zakat Committee chairman Professor Mohammad Ahmed Khan raised an objection that the medical supreintendent had deposited the cheque in his personal account.

After checking, it was found that it was a joint account in the name of the Health Welfare Society convener and a Zakat committee member. After the intervention of District Nazim Faryal Talpur, the account was opened at National Bank's main branch to avoid any misunderstandings.

However, till the time the process of Zakat distribution has not begun. When contacted, PMCH medical superintendent Dr Nisar Shaikh said that the delay was caused by Professor Khan's non-availability for the meeting of the Zakat committee.

Mr Khan could not be contacted as he was in Karachi. Deserving patients have demanded that the higher authorities should intervene in the matter and take action against the officials responsible for the delay.