TOBA TEK SINGH, Feb 17: Lives of patients, doctors, paramedical staff and all those visiting the DHQ Hospital are at great risk due to the dilapidated condition of its upper storey.

The hospital was built in 1990 with an expenditure of Rs250 million. The ward No 4, established at the upper storey, could never be used during the period owing to the shortage of doctors, staff and beds. While the Buildings department also restricted itself only to whitewashing of the structure.

Now the deterioration has gone to such an advanced stage that the building experts have warned that the structure can collapse any time.

A source disclosed that defective material had been used in the upper storey by the contractor.

Medical superintendent Dr Tehmasap Zubair claimed that he had repeatedly informed officials concerned about the dilapidated condition of the upper storey.

He said the Buildings department had already prepared an estimate of Rs1.8 million for its repair and renovation, but the release of funds and tendering of work were still being awaited.