HYDERABAD, Jan 29: District Nazim Dr Makhdoom Rafiquzzaman has expressed concern over delay in implementation of the Hyderabad Development Package announced by the president.

He pointed out that costs of development schemes under the project would rise due to the delay in release of the package because prices of material were increasing.

Mr Rafiquzzaman was speaking as chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of a four-day free eye camp organized by the Red Crescent, Hyderabad, in collaboration with the Al-Umeed Lions Club, Hyderabad, at the Red Crescent Dispensary in Qasimabad here on Friday.

He regretted that hindrances were being created in release of the funds which would deprive people of Hyderabad of their basic right of civic facilities.

He expressed surprise that even the Sindh government had not released any amount from Rs1 billion it had earmarked for implementation of the project.

The nazim said he had decided to approach the president to seek his help in implementation of the development package.

Referring to bottlenecks presented by speakers about lack of medical facilities, Mr Rafiquzzaman wondered why the Sindh government was not sanctioning the summary for new establishment (SNE) for various newly-established medical institutions in the district. He demanded that the government should sanction SNEs for all health institutions by providing funds and medicines.

He also expressed concern over the closure of the eye ward at the Hilal Ahmer General Hospital, Latifabad, due to transfer of doctors and urged the Sindh government for posting doctors and paramedical staff to run the ward for welfare of people.

Referring to problems presented by Hyderabad Red Crescent chairman Dr M. Farooq Memon, the nazim said he would convene a meeting of taluka nazims of Qasimabad, City and Latifabad and the EDO, health, within a week to prepare a strategy not only to resolve the problems but also to accelerate services of the Hilal Ahmer. Participation of people was also essential in this regard, he added.