KARACHI: Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has issued a stern warning to the Sindh administration, cautioning that gas supply to its hospitals may be disconnected due to outstanding payments.
On Friday, the SSGC sent notices to various Sindh government hospitals, primarily located in Karachi, demanding payment of outstanding bills by September 15, 2020, failing which the gas supply would be terminated.
The SSGC has devised a comprehensive strategy to take decisive action against hospitals that have failed to settle their dues. Among the hospitals listed for potential disconnection of gas supply are the National Institute of Child Health (NICH), Lyari General Hospital, Civil Hospital (including the trauma center), Sindh Government Hospital, Services Hospital, ICU Trauma Center, and Cardiac Center Korangi No. 05.
According to the SSGC, a substantial amount is owed by these hospitals, with NICH accumulating a debt of Rs5.2 million, Lyari General Hospital owing Rs2.2 million, and the ICU Trauma Center and Cardiac Center Korangi No. 05 together owing Rs3.3 million.
The SSGC emphasized that multiple reminders had been issued to these hospitals urging them to clear their outstanding bills. However, with no response forthcoming, the company is now compelled to consider more stringent measures.
The potential disconnection of gas supply to hospitals raises concerns about the impact on healthcare services, particularly during a time when the healthcare system is under strain due to the ongoing pandemic and other health challenges.
This development underscores the importance of timely payment of utility bills by government institutions, especially those involved in critical services such as healthcare. Failure to settle outstanding bills not only affects the operations of these institutions but also disrupts essential services provided to the public.
It is imperative for the concerned authorities to address the issue promptly and ensure that necessary arrangements are made to clear the outstanding dues to prevent any disruption in gas supply to hospitals.
Efforts to resolve the matter amicably between the SSGC and the concerned hospitals are ongoing. However, the SSGC maintains that it will take necessary actions to recover the outstanding amounts owed to it, emphasizing the importance of financial discipline and accountability in the management of public institutions.
