KARACHI, Sept 12: The Ojha Institute of Chest Diseases’ capacity will be expanded from 350-bed to 500-bed and converted into a general hospital, housing all departments, including surgery and gynaecology, to serve people of the surrounding areas.
At present, it is a 350-bed facility dedicated for patients suffering from chest problems and tuberculosis. It has state-of-the-art reference laboratory, which is running in collaboration with the WHO and the National TB Control Programme. There is fully equipped eight-bed ICU and 12-bed recovery ward. Diagnostic laboratory is also fully functional providing all available investigations like defibrillator and chemical vent.
The director of the chest diseases institute, Dr M. Ashraf Sadique, said that the institute after expansion would have more operation theatres and labour room facilities, while the chest ward would remain separate as presently running.
This project, funded by the Dow University of Health Sciences and the Higher Education Commission, will commence from November and expected to be completed within one year, he said, adding that presently the facility has its Isphahani Auditorium, X-ray department recently renovated with the help of a single donor, beside other sections.
“Ojha is the only hospital of the country, where patients of MDR (Multi-Drug Resistance) tuberculosis are being treated. Treatment of one MDR-TB patient lasts about 18 to 24 months costing Rs250,000 to Rs300,000. With the season change, now patients suffering three diseases pneumonia, asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) are expected to frequently visit the hospital. Here, indoor patients are being provided 100 per cent free of cost complete treatment including diagnostics and disposables,” he mentioned.
Dr Ashraf Siddique said: “This institute is linked with five peripheral chest clinics located in Lyari, Orangi, Nazimabad, Malir and Iqbaliat Clinic (located in the Ojha premises). Patients in need of admission and further investigation are referred from these clinics to Ojha Institute of Chest Diseases beside of those patients approaching directly to the hospital.
Hospital has recently got two purpose-built ambulances from the Dow varsity. There is some problem of staff shortage, but Dow University of Health Sciences vice-chancellor is sympathetically looking into the matter and the university has advertised vacancies for the institute. Now it is hoped that vacancies will be filled soon,” he added. —PPI