KARACHI: Reiterating metropolitan authorities resolve to improve healthcare delivery to provide relief to people already burdened because of high inflation, Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab said 14 hospitals have been thoroughly upgraded in the past year under the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC).
"We acknowledge the support of the Sindh government, particularly the Pakistan People’s Party, in this regard," Mayor Wahab remarked, adding that his government will continue to serve people and won’t let them down.
Flanked by his representative for political affairs Karamullah Waqasi, and other officials, at a press conference after inaugurating the dental unit and nursery at Gizri Maternity Home, he said:
"This Gizri Maternity Home, which was once privatized and charged exorbitantly for its services, has seen significant improvements since KMC took over. We are committed to further enhancing this facility, evident in the upgraded wards and newly established dental and nursery units, which will better serve the local community."
Highlighting the affordability of services at the hospital, he noted, "The OPD fee is only Rs20, an ultrasound costs Rs150, deliveries are conducted for Rs2000, and root canal treatments are offered for Rs500."
Reflecting on past challenges, the mayor mentioned improvements made at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and Sarfraz Rafiqui Shaheed Hospital, where dental services and essential medical tests are now available. He also mentioned the revival of the nursing school at Karachi Institute of Heart Diseases, benefiting 130 families economically.
"In the face of challenges like water scarcity in hospitals, we are prioritizing solutions," he assured.
He regretted that during former Mayor Waseem Akhtar's tenure, the PPP members were even excluded from budget meetings.