ISLAMABAD, Oct 22: The new management of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) is set to start work on the much-awaited expansion of the emergency unit after a philanthropist promised to provide Rs10 million for the project.

According to an administration official, almost 700 patients were being provided treatment at the emergency unit daily. He said there were only six doctors, including medical officers and postgraduate trainees, to handle such a large number of patients.

He said the previous administrations of the hospital spent a large sum of money on the establishment of a courtesy centre to facilitate VIPs, including legislators, but turned a blind eye to the plight of the poor patients coming to the emergency unit.

“A philanthropist has assured us of donating Rs10 million and the expansion of the emergency unit will start after Eid,” said Prof Riaz Ahmed Warraich, the executive director of Pims, while talking to Dawn. He said the project would be completed in a few months.

Prof Warraich added: “Twenty beds will be added to the emergency unit while the blood bank in the building will be shifted close to the Children Hospital.”

The laboratory will also be shifted to a new place to provide more space to the emergency department. Mobile phone jammers will also be installed in the emergency unit to discourage their use by on-duty medical officials.

He said filter clinics would be established to cater to patients with minor issues to decrease the congestion.

When asked about the lack of electro-medical equipment, including ventilators at the emergency unit, Prof Warraich said the administration was working on addressing the needs of the emergency unit.