Monitoring the virus: Govt sets up a rapid response team

KARACHI: To monitor suspected coronavirus patients and transfer them from the airport to the hospital, the government of Sindh has formed a Rapid Response Medical Team.

Formed on the directives of the federal government, the team will work 24 hours a day under the supervision of the Karachi health director. Meanwhile, 16 ambulances have been allocated for the transportation of suspected coronavirus patients to deal with any possible situation.

Per the notification issued by the provincial government, a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune, the committee has also been established as part of the Rapid Response Medical Team which will comprise Korangi and Malir district health officers, surveillance officer doctors, and paramedical and laboratory technicians. The notification also directs the response team to remain in touch with the designated ambulance drivers.

On the other hand, Sindh director general health has also instructed the ambulance service to stay on alert and transfer suspected coronavirus patients from airport to the hospital immediately. They have also directed the service to ensure that all vehicles have a supply of fuel along with oxygen and other medical equipment to provide first aid.

The medical team has also been instructed to remain in contact with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) at the Jinnah International Airport Karachi to ensure that the suspected passengers arriving from China and other countries are isolated and not allowed to roam freely before a proper medical checkup is carried out at the airport. 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 4^th, 2020.