RAWALPINDI, March 29: The Punjab government is constituting a commission to monitor the progress on takeover of controversial Rawalpindi Medical College (RMC) Complex at Holy Family Hospital, the construction of which involved massive irregularities, sources said.
According to the sources, the Punjab governor, Lt-Gen Khalid Maqbool (retired), had directed the health department to set up a group involving the communications and works department for monitoring the progress.
Meanwhile, the director of architecture department has pointed out the shortcomings of the recently commissioned surgical ward in the building to the administration of Rawalpindi autonomous hospitals.
A report issued by the director’s office said due to poor laying, grinding and polishing of the floor, the texture of surface was uneven.
The report said doors at the building had undulating surface due to substandard work and ply fixed on the shutters had started developing cracks. The finishing and painting of the door is also below standard, it added.
Plaster in verandahs has started developing hairline cracks due to poor quality of work, it said.
About flaws in fixing tiles on the exterior walls of the building, the report said tiles of identical texture and finish had been used all over the building. Aluminium windows lack sliding rollers, it added.
Paint quality of steel railings in verandah is poor and the railings have started rusting.
It has been learnt that the administration has stopped consulting the architecture department before taking over other parts fearing exposure of more flaws. Similarly, a member of the committee of doctors, which was constituted to inspect the building, was transferred when he pointed out major shortcomings.
The report said the construction of the RMC Complex was not according to the specifications.
The report said there was seepage in the building even before it was commissioned.
The new block has been completed at a cost of Rs900 million and will be equipped with state-of-the-art equipment procured with $15 million assistance offered by the Islamic Development Bank.
