Hospitals in Sindh prepare for heatwave, rain

According to weather forecast, mercury is expected to soar past 40 degrees Celsius

KARACHI: As the Pakistan Meteorological Department on Monday reiterated warnings of a heatwave in Karachi starting from Tuesday (today), with the mercury expected to rise past 40 degrees Celsius, Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazl Pechuho directed all government hospitals across the province to make adequate arrangements for potential patients.

According to the Met Office, the intensity of the heat will be felt more than the actual temperature, as the humidity in the air is currently at 78 per cent and winds are blowing at a speed of 13 km per hour.

As a result, hospitals have been asked to establish establish emergency centres and ensure the availability of medical staff.

Furthermore, the leaves of all staff of public hospitals have been cancelled to ensure the availability of 24-hour emergency services.

Meanwhile, the PMD's weather forecast also suggests that Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad and Shaheed Benazirabad will witness heavy rainfall from Sunday.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 5^th, 2020.