The Chief Minister of Sindh ordered an inquiry to the rising cost of a pediatric cardiac unit at Karachi’s National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) which started from Rs 2.5 billion and reached Rs 10 billion.

According to ARY News, the pediatric cardiac unit, initially slated to be completed in 2016 with a budget of Rs. 1.74 billion, saw its allocation increase to Rs. 2.75 billion the following year.

However, after 8 years of delays, the cost skyrocketed to Rs 10 billion, raising serious concerns about project management.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has called for an investigation into the budget which has been increased by Rs 9.92 billion.

The investigation committee will be headed by the chairman of the inspection team, with the goal of determining the causes of the cost escalation and project delays.

It is worth mentioning here that the NICVD pediatric cardiac unit was intended to provide 300 beds in Karachi’s pediatric wards, but delays and cost overruns have left the project incomplete.

Source: ARY News