THE news, 'Spencer's Eye Hospital in bad shape' (Jan 8), disclosing that the hospital building is at the verge of collapse on account of neglect is shocking for Karachi's people, especially the downtrodden of Lyari's who have been enjoying the benefits of such a modern ophthalmologic facility free of charge for decades.

The 'Doctor Kaikhushrow Nanabhoy Spencer's Eye Hospital ' is one of the oldest optical diseases hospital, and one of the countless contributions of Zoroastrian philanthropists towards the progress of the metropolis, particularly in the filed of health and education.

The foundationstone of this extraordinary health facility was laid on Nov 28, 1938 in the impoverished area of Lyari by famous Hatim Alvi, mayor of Karachi . On March 14, 1940 the hospital was inaugurated by the next mayor, Rustom Khurshedji Sidhwa.

Ever since its inception, Spencer's Eye Hospital is considered as one of the biggest in the public sector eye facility that has cured millions of disadvantaged during the last about three quarters century of its existence. Why has the city government, which is now running this renowned hospital, ignored its maintenance and care, imperiling the lives of its visiting patients?

I urge the Karachi nazim to visit Spencer's Hospital right away and ensure that necessary repair and refurbishment work of the building is carried out without further loss of time. Moreover, the hospital needs to be upgraded by introducing latest equipment and facilities to bring the same at par with any other modern eye hospital working in the private sector in the country.

Moreover, as such buildings of antiquity hold significance of 'national heritage', greater concern should be shown for their preservation so that these should not be wasted due to negligence.

Rubina M. Kureshi

Karachi