KARACHI, Aug 1: The medical superintendent of Civil Hospital Karachi, following a surprise inspection of its wards at 2am on Sunday, took disciplinary action against six paramedical staff for dereliction of duty.

Capt (Dr) Mirza Raza Ali told this reporter on Sunday that four of the staff were suspended either for being absent or for resting in their ward rooms. In addition, the seniority of two nurses, belonging to the medical and orthopaedic wards, was reduced by six months as they were found to be neglecting the patients.

The medical superintendent said that the step had been taken in an effort to improve the performance of the night staff and in view of the directives of the chief minister's adviser on health.

The staff whose performance was found good during the inspection were promised to be given appreciation certificates, he said. He added that the staff who were on duty without their uniforms were also reprimanded during his visit.