Monkeypox isolation wards set up at JPMC, Civil Hospital

Government hospitals have started setting up isolation wards in anticipation of possible spread of monkeypox (mpox) virus after two cases were confirmed in Islamabad.

The Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) and Dr Ruth Km Pfau Civil Hospital have set up separate 10-bed each isolation wards for men and women on the instructions of the Sindh Health Department.

According to Civil Hospital MS Dr Shahid Rasool not a single monkeypox case has so far been reported at this facility. He added that they have arranged staff training and patient awareness programs, while staff members are being provided with all equipment, including hand sanitisers, gloves, masks and gowns.

JPMC Executive Director Dr Shahid Rasool said that an isolation ward has been set up in the Medical Unit Four. “God forbid, if cases increase, the number of beds can be increased to 40,” he said.

Health Minister Azra Pechuho has said that those who come in contact with monkeypox patients must be kept in isolation and monitored. “Patients may be admitted to the Institute of Infectious Diseases,” she said, adding that test kits for monkeypox are not available in Sindh, therefore samples can be sent to the NIH or abroad.

However, ICCBS Professor Dr Raza Shah said that vaccine and medicines for monkeypox are not available. “Like Covid-19, it is also a viral infection which requires a lot of caution,” he added.

He added that monkeypox was incurable, but people should eat more vegetables and fruits, drink more water, and use Vitamin C to boost immunity.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 27^th, 2023.