In view of the current situation, Islamabad’s main federal hospitals have been placed on high alert, with the administrations of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Polyclinic issuing official circulars, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Sunday.
According to the circulars, the federal hospitals will remain on high alert until September 30. Hospital administrations have been directed to ensure that ambulances remain available around the clock throughout the period.
Heads of clinical and non-clinical departments have been instructed to remain at their stations. The availability of essential staff must be ensured 24 hours a day, while duty rosters are to be kept updated.
The emergency department, intensive care units, operating theatres, trauma services, nursing and diagnostic departments have been ordered to remain fully operational. Blood banks and pharmacy services must also remain fully active.
The hospitals have been directed to ensure the availability of additional beds in case of a large number of patients arriving at the same time. Extra stretchers and wheelchairs must also be kept ready.
Hospital administrations have been told to maintain sufficient stocks of oxygen, blood, medicines, essential medical equipment and other necessary supplies.
Emergency departments and ambulance routes must remain clear at all times. Security has also been ordered to be strengthened at emergency departments, main entrances and other sensitive areas.
All officers and staff have been directed to remain immediately available and respond quickly in the event of an emergency. During the high-alert period, all staff leave has been restricted except medical leave.
Hospitals have also been instructed to keep the maximum possible number of staff from neurosurgery, orthopaedics and general surgery on call. The maximum possible number of oral and maxillofacial surgery staff are also to remain on call.
Reporter: Babar Shehzad Turk