Hospitals ramp up preparedness

Amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and India, the Sindh Health Department has launched emergency preparedness measures in all government-run hospitals in the province, including the expansion of bed capacity, assurance of oxygen supply, and stockpiling of life-saving medicines.

According to health officials, medical response teams and district administration personnel are monitoring hospital readiness. A series of inspection visits to key hospitals are scheduled for today (Saturday) to assess the progress of these measures.

At Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi, MS Dr Khalid Bukhari stated that the Emergency Department has a current capacity of 65 beds. An additional 100-bed unit has been established, along with 35 supplementary beds in the Burns Ward. The hospital is coordinating with the Trauma Centre and has more than 25 operational theaters. Seven emergency ambulances are also on high alert for rapid response.

At the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Accident and Emergency Trauma Centre, Executive Director Dr Sabir Memon confirmed the allocation of 100 additional beds and the full functionality of its emergency operation theater. One entire floor has been dedicated to emergency services.

The Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre has allocated over 100 beds from its total capacity of 2,200 to deal with potential mass casualties, according to a hospital spokesperson.

The Sindh Government Liaquatabad Hospital has added 50 emergency beds, bringing its total to 200. MS Dr Attique Qureshi reported that four operation theaters are currently operational to manage high patient loads.

At Lyari General Hospital, MS Dr Jamil Mughal stated that 32 new beds have been added to the Emergency Department, increasing its total to 50. The hospital is also prepared to accommodate up to 200 patients in other wards should the need arise.

The Sindh Government Qatar Hospital has set aside 100 additional beds, increasing its total capacity to 510. According to MS Dr Rashid Khanzada, the hospital has also established a dedicated operation theater and a five-bed surgical ICU specifically for emergency use.

Meanwhile, the Sindh Government Saudabad Hospital has added 30 beds in preparation for emergencies.