RAWALPINDI: A serious structural hazard has emerged at the Benazir Bhutto Hospital where decades-old water accumulation in the basement of the Outpatient Department (OPD) building has raised fears of a potential disaster.
According to hospital sources, the basement — spread over more than two kanals — has remained flooded with stagnant water for over 20 years. Although the area was sealed approximately 16 years ago, continuous water leakage in 65-year-old building has significantly weakened its foundations and walls. The presence of knee-deep contaminated water has created highly unhygienic conditions, accompanied by a persistent foul smell. Officials warn that the deteriorating structure poses a direct threat to the lives of hundreds of patients, doctors, and hospital staff who use the facility daily. The sources revealed that the basement has effectively turned into a polluted pond, with conditions resembling a sewage site. Despite repeated concerns, no practical measures have been taken to resolve the issue. The hospital, which has a capacity of around 1,000 beds, has undergone upgrades costing millions of rupees in recent years. However, the longstanding water accumulation problem remains unaddressed. Plans to establish a pharmacy in the basement were also abandoned due to the worsening conditions. Medical Superintendent Dr Sharjeel, speaking to media, said the issue of water seepage and structural damage in the OPD basement is longstanding and critical. “We have repeatedly informed the Building Circle and other relevant departments through official correspondence, but there has been no response,” he said. Dr Sharjeel said continuous leakage is a clear indicator of structural risk, and efforts are underway to find a permanent solution. He conceded that the accumulated water and weakened foundations pose a serious safety threat that requires urgent attention. Despite multiple alerts from the hospital administration, the lack of response from authorities concerned continues to heighten the risk of a major incident.
