News Analysis |
Recent visits of the CJP-Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mian Saqib Nisar, to twin cities’ hospitals of Mother and child, RIC- Rawal Institute of Cardiology and Polyclinic have showcased his firm foot stepping. Expressing deep concerns about the current health care facilities, he gave statements regarding the under construction site of Mother and Care Hospital, Rawalpindi upon his visit on Sunday, 1st July 2018.
According to recent reports, his visit didn’t solely depend on expressing sorrow for those suffering but came out on top, as an ultimatum was given regarding its current construction status. According to the situation at hand, he stated how he witnessed the sight of a destroyed structure.
He summoned the chief engineer of PWD on this occasion and direct orders were given to complete the hospital’s construction work in 18 months. There was great emphasis on starting the work immediately, without even a moments delay.
The construction had been delayed already for 10 years. He vowed that further delay in this matter would not be acceptable. Chief Justice Nisar said that the hospitals construction will be monitored by Supreme Court.
Looking at the lack of facilities and the current condition of the hospital, he talked about how no one will get any leave of absence under his watch. He assured everyone that all necessary funds shall be provided for the completion of this task in 15 days after looking at the comprehensive report. The hospital covers 136 kanal, with an incomplete infrastructure. It accommodates 500 beds with an estimated cost of Rs.2 billion at Asgher Mall road Rawalpindi.
This issue has already been addressed in the Supreme Court, as a two-member bench was headed by the Chief Justice. He heard the case related to the hospital, officials of the PWD, NESPAK and other relevant departments. The construction had been delayed already for 10 years. He vowed that further delay in this matter would not be acceptable. Chief Justice Nisar said that the hospitals construction will be monitored by Supreme Court.
During the hearing, officials sought 2 years to complete the project and cited a total cost of over Rs 5.3 billion. Hospital constriction work had been at a halt for past many years. Accompanying CJP- Mian Saqib Nisar was, Awami league leader Sheikh Rashid, who submitted an application in the Apex Court and sought immediate start of construction work.
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Later conversing with media persons, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said, that it was a big day in the history of the country and remaining construction work of the hospital will start on 2nd July, 2018, Monday, as of today.
Mian Saqib Nisar’s ordeals were not limited to only one visit, in fact upon visiting his second destination, he addressed the issues of water filtration and waste management plants in RIC- Rawal Institute of Cardiology. He also ordered that the water sample be sent for tests. Over there patients complained of lack of doctors at the facility.
According to recent reports, his visit didn’t solely depend on expressing sorrow for those suffering but came out on top, as an ultimatum was given regarding its current construction status.
Sadly, his visits led to only one conclusion, his deeply concerned facial expressions of sorrow as he expressed dismay at the unavailability of medicines, CT scan and other machines. The Chief Justice also took samples of the medicines at the hospital so they could be tested independently.
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At the last hearing of the case on June 28th, the bench had directed the authorities to present a timeframe for the completion of this project. Previously, the Additional Attorney General had informed the court that 47 percent work on the main hospital building had been completed and a total of Rs.983 million rupees had been spent on the project so far.
Upon discovering the current situations, CJP also highlighted the never-ending story of Pakistan’s water supply crisis. He stated, that “200 million gallons of water would be brought from Ghazi-Barotha, i.e. an ongoing multi billion project, whose costs has tripled due to the worst water shortages faced in Pakistan to date. This is the end of the line for now with regards to lack of hospital facilities, infrastructure, water, medicine and much more leading to exacerbating situations for the general public.”