The Express Tribune reported that PMA’s regional president Dr Masood Hiraj during a press conference warned the government that the lives of doctors, nurses and paramedics would be in danger if no immediate action is taken to combat the fatal virus. The medical association urged the Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar to declare health emergency at the vulnerable hospital to prevent further outbreak.
Masood Hiraj highlighted that out of the 36 doctors tested for the virus, 12 were found infected. “Moreover, we have conducted tests of further 100 doctors and 28 nurses,” he said.
The doctor raised questions about the provision of isolation areas and safety gear at the facility. “The doctors have been quarantined together which raises critical concerns about their safety and wellbeing.” He alleged that the administration at the hospital was undermining health and safety protocols, prescribed by the Health Ministry and World Health Organisation (WHO) while dealing with the pandemic.
The PMA stated that Nishtar Hospital was facing a severe shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) and testing kits which should to be provided to the administration on an emergency basis.