KARACHI, March 22: Health Secretary Ashiq Hussain Memon has directed the concerned authorities to set up a 24-hour emergency centre at the Sindh Government Hospital Liaquatabad to provide immediate medical relief to cardiac, gynae, paeds and other patients.

During a visit to the hospital on Saturday, he was informed by the hospital medical superintendent Capt Dr Munawar that the hospital provides medical cover to half a million population of the area with 120 doctors, specialists and paramedics only. He also apprised him of shortage of equipment and other problems.

The secretary announced a grant of Rs0.5 million for purchase of equipment and upgradation of existing facilities.

Mr Memon said the shortage of doctors and paramedics would be met by initiating house jobs for doctors and setting up nursing training institute at the hospital.—APP