Over 3,000 patients were examined in four outpatient departments (OPDs) of the largest tertiary care hospital of the federal capital on their reopening on Monday.
Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) Spokesperson Dr Waseem Khwaja said that certain OPDs have been reopened after prolonged closure that was done to prevent coronavirus spread.
He added that the four OPDs including Burns Centre, Mother and Child Hospital, Children’s Hospital, and Cardiac Centre have been made operational.
The official said that the main OPD would be reopened soon as it was under renovation. He added that the emergency department would be used as an OPD until the renovation completes.
Hospitals still treating those in need of urgent care, OPDs partially open
Meanwhile, regarding the pandemic situation, he said that only three coronavirus infected patients are receiving treatment at Pims. The hospital had a separate Covid-19 ward which was overflowing with patients at the peak of the outbreak. Doctors and paramedics worked extended hours to help the infected people.
The spokesperson said that collectively, swab samples of more than 13,400 suspected patients were sent to the National Institute of Health (NIH). He added that only 1,758 resulted back positive and 450 were admitted in the healthcare facility. Dr Khawaja told some 54 fatalities were reported at Pims.
Health experts on Monday appealed the general public to continue maintaining social distancing, wearing facemasks ahead of a potential second Covid-19 wave, despite decline in number of cases.
Medical expert said the coronavirus situation was now relatively under control, but any mistake could reverse it quickly and urged on public to demonstrate seriousness towards Covid-19.
Pakistan Medical Association President Dr Ashraf Nizami said that as the holy month of Muharram is fast approaching and it is high time for general public to observe all precautionary measures to stay safe.
Health expert warned that foregoing safety measures will lead to a jump in infection rates and urged the people to wear facemasks, particularly in situations where social distancing is not possible, stressing that careless attitude of the public can lead to another spike.
“There is a need to control our behavior and avoid spreading updates regarding Covid-19 situations without authenticity, as it may increase stress and anxiety among people. We simply have to follow the guidelines that the developing countries are adopting and where the Covid-19 is under control,” Dr Nizami added.
Renowned Scholar Dr Attaur Rehman said despite constraints of resources, the way Pakistan defeated the coronavirus is appreciable and it has also been acknowledged by the world.
SHC orders opening OPDs, emergency wards in Sindh public, private hospitals
The incumbent government took corrective measures in very early stages of the outbreak and prevented the spread of the pandemic, he added.
The Pakistani population has natural resistance against coronavirus. The smart lockdown and ban on social gatherings proved to be the best strategy to contain the spread of Covid-19, he explained.
With additional input by APP
Published in The Express Tribune, August 18th, 2020.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ