Municipal Hospital (Okara)

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At least since the inception of Pakistan in 1947, this is where Municipal Hospital was located on Tahsil Road. The Hospital was opposite our home; between Government Girls High School (on the west) and Municipal Water Works (on the east). Behind the Hospital were Water Sanitation Plant and the Eid Gah.

I think it was 1956 when there was a disastrous train collision at Gamber, about four miles away from Okara (next to Okara Cantonment). Loud bang of the train collision woke us up in the middle of the night, even from that far away. Dozens of Chaar’pies (Beds) of dead bodies and injured people were brought to the hospital and lined up on the sidewalk (footpath) outside the hospital; opposite our home. I was about ten years old when I witnessed this terrible scene, and still have scars on my heart and mind. People were pouring in from far and near with food and supplies for the accident victims. I saw everyone mourning and crying for these unknown dead and injured people.

During our childhood, we used to chase titli (butterflies) and jUgnU (fireflies or lightning bugs) in this hospital. This hospital had orange and Mango trees near employees residences and beds of colorful flowers all around.

I wonder if the Municipal Hospital is still there!

I love Okara and have many memories associated it. Our family owned agricultural lands and fruit orchards (Bagh) in the vicinity of Okara, in Gogera, in Karman Wala, and in Marula (North of Renala Khurd). Gogera used to be District Headquarters prior to Montgomery-Sahiwal during British Rule. I grew up in Lahore, but Okara was like a second home for us.

In late 1970s, we moved to USA, and love it here, while my brother and sisters are still settled in Lahore. You can search for uzkmi, through Wikimapia Search Bar on top right and read more about my snippets or tidbits.

Usman Muhammad Khan
New Jersey 08054-3315 USA
Wikimapia User: uzkmi
Updated: August 30, 2012

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