SHANGLA: The slow pace of construction work on new blocks in the district headquarters hospital in Alpuri has been causing problems for both the hospital staff and patients.

The tenders for construction of new blocks for CT scan department and psychiatry ward and repair work at some buildings were issued by the communication and works department in 2017, and the overall project was scheduled to be completed by end of 2021.

DHQ hospital deputy medical superintendent Dr Sajjad Khan said they had submitted several letters to the relevant department and the deputy commissioner requesting them to expedite the work on the ongoing project, but to no avail.

He said the government had allocated Rs50 million for construction of two new blocks for CT scan department and psychiatry ward, and reconstruction of the doctors’ hostel, nursing hostel for women, construction of boundary wall, gates, etc, but the contractor failed to complete any of the buildings as yet.

The hospital DMS said the construction activities inside the hospital had been causing problems for both the staff and visiting patients. He said they wanted the contractor to complete the work as soon as possible so that they could establish the CT scan department and provide accommodation to the staff within the facility.

When contacted, contractor Shamsur Rehman said the project was delayed due to funds shortage. He said the government should ensure availability of funds to the executing agencies so the schemes could be completed in the scheduled time.

However, Alpuri tehsil chairman Waqar Ahmad said there was no shortage of funds and the contractor was responsible for delay in the project.

ACTIVISTS JOIN PTI: Several PML-N workers in Malak Khel Sharona area here have quit their party and joined Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf.

They joined PTI during a public meeting held at Malak Khel Sharona where Alpuri tehsil chairman Waqar Ahmad was the chief guest.

Mr Ahmad said the new entrants, including village councillors Azeem Khan and Mohammad Iqbal, would be given respect in the party.

Published in Dawn, December 30th, 2022