90 RRTs to perform duties across Quetta

Teams will work in three shifts round the clock

QUETTA: 90 Rapid Response Teams will perform duties across Quetta to handle coronavirus patients in the city, according to an official source.

“The teams will deliver services in three shifts and 24 hours a day. Eight mobile patrolling teams and 12 ambulances of Basic Health Units will remain active round the clock and seven days a week,” said the official on Tuesday, briefing on the RRTs formed on April 1.

The initiative was a combined effort of Quetta district administration, People’s Primary Healthcare Initiative (PPHI), Medical Emergency Response Centre (MERC) and Quetta district.

People having symptoms of coronavirus can approach the teams through a call on rescue helpline 1122. However, in case of emergency they can contact on these numbers: 03167861122 and 03331032988. The government has also established a

UAN number 111-400-400 to cater to patients of coronavirus and disseminate information about the deadly pandemic.

The operator would direct the suspected patient to a doctor or inform a mobile RRT to approach him, according to the situation. If mobile Rapid Response Teams are busy facilitating other patients, the operator will direct the patient to the nearest static RRT available at nearest Basic Health Unit.

According to the situation, the RRTs will clear the suspected patient, either positive or negative, after examination or take his swab for lab test and ask him to isolate himself at home. If the patient does not have a place at home for isolation, he will be admitted to a government isolation centre.

In case of examining the patient on the spot, the suspected victim of the virus will be admitted to Shaikh Zayed Hospital Quetta.

Authorities concerned urged the people to comply with the instructions and guidelines  announced by the government of Balochistan and departments concerned to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 18^th, 2020.