Khanewal:
More than a month has passed since a fire broke out in the eye department at Khanewal District Hospital on June 10, but still the plant is not operational, leaving hundreds of patients without access to treatment and operations.
Despite regular visits from the Deputy Commissioner, progress occurs limited with slightly practical improvement on Earth.
The hospital’s sources revealed that it would cost only about the RS50,000 to restore the ward. However, due to alleged negligence and inefficiency of the hospital’s medical superintendent (MS), the case remains unresolved.
The department is aimed at hundreds of patients every day, many of whom are now facing delays in eye operations and control.
Four ophthalmic surgeons – Dr. Waqar, Dr. Atta Rasool, Dr. Sabiha and Dr. Aamir Tirmizi – has been left without work in the meantime.
One of the doctors who spoke anonymously said thousands of low -income patients have been forced to seek expensive treatments in the private sector.
There are also accusations of malpractice involving the purchase of eye lenses.
According to insider sources, some hospital doctors reportedly have these lenses filled in private medical stores outside the hospital.
Patients are allegedly asked to buy them at bloated prices, which are then shared between store lovers and certain medical staff.
When the situation was highlighted, district officials seemed to respond with increased visits and media coverage. Photographs by the Deputy Commissioner Inspecting the Department have been sent to the media and the Punjab government of the district’s information office.
However, contradictory reports continue. When asked about the current status of the department, a doctor claimed it is fully operational, while another said it is ready for reopening and the Deputy Commissioner is scheduled to inaugurate it soon.
Daily, the department is said to receive over 100 patients, with hundreds of eye surgery performed weekly before the fire.
Adding to the Hospital’s Evils, a separate incident was reported last week, when the absence of blood pressure monitoring equipment allegedly led to a patient’s death.
The incident triggered a protest from the deceased’s family, which further emphasized the urgent need for improved healthcare in the district.
