First-ever liver transplant unit inoperative since inception

Pakistan’s first liver transplantation unit, inaugurated by the Punjab Chief Minister on Feb 25, in Shaikh Zaid Hospital (SZH), lack facilities as even a single liver transplantation could not be performed since its inauguration.
According to sources, 1.2 million patients in the country need liver transplantation while 150 patients are on the waiting list of the liver transplant unit but the unavailability of required facilities including an operation theatre, CT scan, high dependency units and at least six medical officers for back-up treatment in the ward after transplantation have made it useless.
Only a ten-bed ward is available for the patients who need transplantation. Only two surgeons are working in the department, including Associate Prof Dr Tariq Bangash and Prof Dr Amir Latif against the need of four while a surgeon, Dr Umer, has left the unit
as his degree from China was not recognised by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), the sources added.
On an experimental basis, four successful liver transplantations were conducted till February 25, in the unit by sharing the operation theatre of cardiac surgery. The patients who had liver transplantation included Amir Raza (40), Khanullah (40), Ms Abida (50) and Muhammad Anwar (42).
The surgeons who are working in the unit at just Rs 52,000 package are still committed but reluctant to serve under pathetic and uncomfortable conditions.
At the inauguration of the unit in February, the chief minister announced the provision of equipment to the unit and directed Parliamentary Secretary for Health in Punjab Assembly Dr Saeed Elahi to resolve the matter within 15 days but nothing had been done practically despite holding three meetings with staff of the unit. When contacted, Punjab Heath Secretary Arif Nadeem said all facilities would be provided to the unit soon.
Report of 96 industrial Units presented to DCO: Various town survey teams on Sunday submitted a report of 96 industrial units located in the city to District Coordination Officer Noorul Ameen Mengal. According to a handout issued here, survey teams of Ravi, Gulberg, Allama Iqbal, Shalimar, Samanabad and Nishter towns presented their report to the DCO regarding 96 operative industrial units in thick populated areas.