JPMC sets up heatstroke ward

A 20-bed heatstroke ward has been set up at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC) as a preemptive measure for prevailing heat wave.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Executive Director of Jinnah Hospital Karachi, Prof. Shahid Rasool, said that increasing number of patients are coming to the hospital with complaints of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance due to hot and humid weather. However, public health facility is struggling with shortage of staff. Deputy Director, Dr. Nausheen Rauf, Morning Shift Incharge, Irfan Siddiqui, and Orthopedic Surgeon, Sajjad Bughio were also present on the occasion.

Rasool said that temperature in Karachi has risen which is why the new dedicated facility will be of immense importance. He recalled the loss of several lives due to heatstroke few years ago. Therefore, considering intensity of heat and possibility of heatwaves, a 20-bed heat stroke ward has been set up at Jinnah Hospital. As soon as symptoms of heatstroke appear, the affected person should be shifted to hospital immediately. The hospital is currently treating patients affected by heat but increasing number of patients could be a problem.

Regarding the staff shortage, he said that due to court's stay order, this issue has not been resolved. He has filed an urgent notice of the matter but it is not being addressed.

Rauf said that 15 to 20 heatstroke patients are coming to the hospital daily.

Head of emergency department at Jinnah Hospital said that preventive measures for heatstroke can be taken easily. Citizens should wear light-coloured, loose clothing, travel necessarily only, and stay in shaded areas if they need to go out. They should drink plenty of water and keep water bottles with them when going out. If someone experiences an increase in heart rate, nausea, dizziness, or fainting, they should immediately go to the hospital. In such cases, they should also drink oral rehydration solution.

Published in The Express Tribune May 11^th, 2024.