Sindh sets up rapid response team to contain novel coronavirus
Team will work round the clock and remain in close contact with airport authorities, says notification
In this photo taken on January 25, 2020, medical staff wearing protective clothing to protect against coronavirus arrive with a patient at the Wuhan Red Cross Hospital in Wuhan. PHOTO: AFP
Amid the fear of possible spread of China-originated novel coronavirus, the Sindh government has formed a rapid response medical team in compliance with the directions of Ministry of National Health Services.
Last month, the federal health ministry had directed the authorities concerned to remain alert following the possible spread of 'contagious' virus from China and established an emergency operation cell to monitor the situation.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services Dr Zafar Mirza said that the directorate of the health ministry dealing with airport and port health services had been asked to maintain strict vigilance at the points of entry and check travellers coming in from the affected areas.
According to a notification issued by the Sindh health department on Monday, a team which has been constituted with “immediate effect” will be comprising of doctors, paramedical staff and well-equipped ambulance.
Pakistan resumes flight operations to China amid coronavirus global outbreak
Director health services of Karachi division will head the team, the official statement said.
As per the directives, the team will work round the clock and maintain close contact with the airport authorities to deal with any emergency situation.
The team would be responsible for transporting the suspected coronavirus passenger to isolated wards in designated hospitals and focal points, the communique read.
Moreover, the team will also deploy medical staff at the Karachi airport.
The development comes as a passenger flight carrying 57 stranded Pakistanis from virus-hit China arrived at the Islamabad International Airport earlier in day after flight operations between the two neighbouring countries have been resumed after three days.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared coronavirus as a global health emergency as it has killed more than 360 people and infected over 14,000 – mostly in China.
Last month, the federal health ministry had directed the authorities concerned to remain alert following the possible spread of 'contagious' virus from China and established an emergency operation cell to monitor the situation.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services Dr Zafar Mirza said that the directorate of the health ministry dealing with airport and port health services had been asked to maintain strict vigilance at the points of entry and check travellers coming in from the affected areas.
According to a notification issued by the Sindh health department on Monday, a team which has been constituted with “immediate effect” will be comprising of doctors, paramedical staff and well-equipped ambulance.
Pakistan resumes flight operations to China amid coronavirus global outbreak
Director health services of Karachi division will head the team, the official statement said.
As per the directives, the team will work round the clock and maintain close contact with the airport authorities to deal with any emergency situation.
The team would be responsible for transporting the suspected coronavirus passenger to isolated wards in designated hospitals and focal points, the communique read.
Moreover, the team will also deploy medical staff at the Karachi airport.
The development comes as a passenger flight carrying 57 stranded Pakistanis from virus-hit China arrived at the Islamabad International Airport earlier in day after flight operations between the two neighbouring countries have been resumed after three days.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared coronavirus as a global health emergency as it has killed more than 360 people and infected over 14,000 – mostly in China.