Maintenance work at the Federal Government Poly Clinic Hospital (FGPC), Islamabad, has been halted due to the dissolution of the Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak-PWD) and the delayed takeover of responsibilities by the Capital Development Authority (CDA).
This was revealed in a written reply by the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Syed Mustafa Kamal, in response to a question raised by MNA Ms. Mah Jabeen Khan Abbasi during a session of the National Assembly.
The minister denied claims that the pediatric ward of the hospital was in a miserable condition, stating that there were no leakages during the rains and all air-conditioners were fully functional. However, he acknowledged that the hospital building is old and does require periodic repair and maintenance.
These services were previously handled by Pak-PWD, but after its abolishment and the subsequent transfer of duties to the CDA, all maintenance work has been put on hold. According to the minister, the CDA has not yet assumed control of the responsibilities despite repeated requests.
In the absence of external support, the hospital is managing repairs and maintenance through its own limited resources and staff. While rejecting the assertion of outdated or malfunctioning equipment, the minister confirmed that all medical equipment, including that in the pediatric ward, is regularly maintained under a preventive maintenance plan and is currently operational.
To address broader infrastructure issues and improve healthcare delivery, a new project titled “Strengthening and Upgradation of Cardiology Department and Other Wards of Federal Government Polyclinic (PGMI), Hospital Islamabad” has been approved at the feasibility stage with an allocation of Rs. 50 million.
A Request for Proposal (RFP) has already been submitted to the Ministry of National Health Services for formal approval to begin the feasibility study.
Once the feasibility study is completed, the government plans to initiate civil works at the hospital, which the minister said would result in enhanced and improved healthcare services for patients. Until then, the hospital will continue to operate under constrained conditions, relying on internal resources for upkeep and service delivery.