The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about one of the greatest global health crises the world has ever witnessed. Since its emergence in Asia late last year, the virus has spread to every continent across the world, except Antarctica. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, there was already high health demand and insufficient resources, with a low number of skilled health professionals in low- and middle-income countries. Now the situation is even worse.
In Pakistan, even though the healthcare system has been in a continuous state of slow development, ingrained corruption persisting for decades had made it impossible to substantially revamp the whole system. This meant that Pakistan was ill-prepared to face the wrath of the deadly virus. Just before the pandemic hit, hospitals across the country were filled at 70% capacity with few private hospitals running over 85% occupancy rates. Therefore, the biggest challenge was accommodating coronavirus-infected patients in leftover beds, which was obviously a far cry from the supply and demand ratio. Then, well after the pandemic had significantly spread across the country, hospitals realised that their infection control practices were far below optimal and due to the rapid rising cases, had stopped catering to patients with less severe symptoms.
Now, after many months, with 292,765 confirmed cases and 6,235 deaths, the country is witnessing a miraculous decline in the infection rate owing to PM Imran Khan’s smart lockdown strategy. Hospitals have opened their doors once again assuring the public of their safety. In the aftermath of the spread of the virus, it is the need of the hour for the Prime Minister to focus on revamping the deplorable healthcare system in the country.
Natasha Ali
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, August 25th, 2020.
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