DERA GHAZI KHAN, Oct 8: The essential equipment required for the cardiology ward of the Dera DHQ hospital has not been procured despite the allocation of grant some two years ago.

The district government had allocated at least Rs8 million for the purchase of equipment but the authorities concerned could not utilize the funds. Similarly, the emergency medicines for the patients are also not available at the ward.

Only one specialist doctor is available in the day time while nurses 'take care' of patients the whole night. Meanwhile, the building of ICU ward is nearing completion with Rs5 million provided by Parliamentary Secretary and MPA Zenat Khan.

The MPA said Rs4.5 million more was required to procure the equipment for the ICU ward. She said the required funds for the purpose would be announced by the CM during his expected visit here after Ramazan.