Medical experts have once again come out in opposition to government policy on ending the lockdown, with members of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), Pakistan Islamic Medical Association and the Pakistan Chest Society holding a press conference today. These bodies are of the view that the government should institute a stricter lockdown.
PMA general secretary Dr. Qaisar Sajjad says that they have called for a stricter lockdown “from day one”. The doctors present on the occasion said that they fear a worsening of the Covid-19 situation in Pakistan if the government proceeds with lifting the lockdown.
Dr. Sajjad, speaking about the lack of adequate facilities to treat patients during the pandemic, pointed out “there are just 63 beds dedicated for coronavirus patients in Karachi’s five public hospitals and though the 1,200-bed isolation facility at the Expo Centre is a large one, it only delivers primary treatment.”
Dr. Sohail Akhtar noted that the government was not following the guidelines for burial of patients who succumb to Covid-19, since that would “create panic” among the people.
PMA general secretary Dr. Qaisar Sajjad says that they have called for a stricter lockdown “from day one”. The doctors present on the occasion said that they fear a worsening of the Covid-19 situation in Pakistan if the government proceeds with lifting the lockdown.
Dr. Sajjad, speaking about the lack of adequate facilities to treat patients during the pandemic, pointed out “there are just 63 beds dedicated for coronavirus patients in Karachi’s five public hospitals and though the 1,200-bed isolation facility at the Expo Centre is a large one, it only delivers primary treatment.”
Dr. Sohail Akhtar noted that the government was not following the guidelines for burial of patients who succumb to Covid-19, since that would “create panic” among the people.