KARACHI: Theft and stealing of mobile phones and other valuable items of patients is on the rise at the Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK) while private security guards have failed to control such crimes in the premises of the institution.

Sources said in a recent incident, an unknown thief entered medical ward-III during night hours a couple of days ago and took away mobile phone of a patient, Shiraz.

An administrative official of CHK said that theft and stealing of smartphones and other valuables has become routine in the premises of the OPD.

Some security guards remain absent from their duties in evening and night hours due to poor check and balance system.

The CHK management has started enquiry into the incident.

CHK Medical Superin­tendent Dr Khadim Hussain Qureshi was not available for comment.

Published in Dawn, March 12th, 2020