The emergency departments of the hospital received a number of injured people during the Eid holidays. PHOTO: FILE
LAHORE: Patients suffered as around 1,000 operations have been cancelled at the Lady Wellington Hospital due to Nawaz’s rally in Lahore, The Express Tribune has learnt.
Speaking to The Express Tribune on the condition of anonymity, a doctor said the health department has cancelled their leaves and around 1,000 scheduled procedures have also been cancelled. The out-patient department (OPD) and indoor routine operations also remained cancelled for three days, he added.
The Lady Aitcheson Hospital and Lady Wellington Hospital are one of the biggest hospitals in the city and deal with emergency cases, she said, adding that people from across the province visit these hospitals.
Shahdara is believed to be underprivileged area and Shahdarah Hospital is the last hope for its ailing people, she said. However, due to the health department’s emergency plan services at the OPDs and operation theatres remained suspended for three days.
Another doctor at the same hospital told The Express Tribune that these hospitals have become no go areas for public. “Even ambulances are not allowed to enter the hospitals.”
Dr Salman Kazmi, who works as a physician at the Mayo Hospital said that yesterday medicines and blood bags have been dispatched to all hospitals in the city in case of any emergency. “We have been directed to deal with the emergency situation in a professional manner.” The medical superintendents of all hospitals across the city have also been directed to ensure the presence of doctors and surgeons during the three days.
Dr Kazmi said that since the Mayo Hospital did not come in the route of the rally, the operational procedures and functions are continued. “Today, at least 3,000 patients visited the OPD.”
Shahdara Teaching Hospital, Shahdara Town Hospital, Lady Aitcheson Hospital and Lady Wellington Hospital have chalked out their plan as they come in the rout of the rally.
According to the health department spokesperson, thousands of people would gather to listen to Nawaz’s speech at the Data Darbar. Therefore, the health department has prepared its plan in case of any emergency. “Medicines are available in the hospitals and doctors in emergency wards will be present during the rally.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 13th, 2017.
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