THE proposed upgrading of the federal government Polyclinic in sector G-6/2 of Islamabad, at its present location is extremely disturbing. The estimated cost of Rs13 billion reflects on the scale to which the upgrading is proposed to be carried out.

Needless to say that the proposed upgrading which can be regarded as largely ‘new construction’ would entail an environmental disaster causing immense civic problems.

Even now, the acute traffic congestion and parking problems on the roads contiguous to the Polyclinic on three sides, impede the passage and access of the commuters, patients and residents of government quarters close to the hospital. The requirement of space in the proposed expansion is planned to be met through acquisition of one-third land of Argentina Park.

Both the hospital and park are almost encased in residential areas. As such any attempt to disturb the existing set up will aggravate the problem to an unbearable extent. I don’t know about the scope and approval status of the relevant project, but allowing for the sizeable cost, one can assume that the facility in question could eventually turn out to be a medical complex which in the short-, medium- and long-term plans would be expanded through construction/addition of structures to house centres specific to different categories of ailments, and an educational institution.

That being the case, one can fathom the size of the land required, to which end, the possibility of the remaining land of the park being gobbled up cannot be ruled out. But, even then it is doubtful if the whole requirement of land would be met.

On the other hand, if we were to assume that the scheme does not envisage upgrading to the aforesaid features and extent, then what is the point in undertaking the upgrading of the Polyclinic at all?

Another adverse feature to contend with would be the construction work which is expected to spread over some years, and which would add tremendously to the problems of the patients and residents of the relevant area.

The overriding question in the whole matter is, as to why it has been decided to expand the facility at its present location.

Was it the difficulty in acquiring land for the project elsewhere? The project being a federal government sponsored one; it stands to reason to understand that the acquisition of land of the size required for the establishment of a facility with a very high capacity of treating patients and better facilities relative to the existing one would not be a difficult proposition.

In fact I understand that land for the new hospital has already been earmarked for the hospital in some other sector of Islamabad by the CDA.

Why are then the authorities concerned adamant and hell bent upon upgrading the hospital in question, at its present location?

I therefore earnestly appeal to the authorities concerned to address the matter, which can be deemed as serious, and prevent the destruction of a priceless green area within a residential complex, as also the other problems which would accrue from the expansion of the Polyclinic at its present location, and as a result would have to be faced by the visitors and residents of the area.

Implementation of the project would be a flagrant violation of the master and land use plans of the capital.

KHURRAM AZAD KHAN Islamabad