Authorities want more doctors, paramedics to cope with dengue
Rawalpindi Medical University Vice-Chancellor Dr Muhammad Umar has demanded 100 more doctors, 50 nurses, 50 paramedics, and more number of beds from the Punjab government to cope with the rapid rise in the number of dengue patients in Rawalpindi.
A large number of patients from Islamabad are also being brought to Rawalpindi hospitals. In the dengue wards of the three major hospitals in Rawalpindi, 50 per cent of the beds are filled with patients. Around 100 suspected dengue patients visit hospitals daily basis.
Currently, 217 beds are occupied in these hospitals. The Benazir Bhutto General Hospital, the Holy Family Hospital, and the District Headquarters Hospital are currently catering to 51 pateints from Islamabad, two from Attock, two from Haripur, one from Karachi East, one from Poonch, and 160 patients from Rawalpindi.
The Punjab chief minister has directed to speed up the anti-dengue campaign and ensure treatment of dengue patients in hospitals.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 15th, 2022.