January 10, 2006	Tuesday	Zilhaj 9, 1426

KARACHI, Jan 9: The Pakistan Medical Association, Karachi, on Monday expressed its deep concern over the death of seven patients on their way to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases due to traffic jams on Saturday last.

In a statement issued here on Monday, the PMA said that it was a matter of concern that from January 1 to 7, 20 heart patients died on way to the NICVD because of prolonged traffic jams.

“Patients suffering from heart attack, severe abdominal pain, bleeding disorders, small children with foreign body bronchus, gynae and obstetric emergency problems, trauma, etc., face hardship in reaching the destined hospital due to the traffic jams on the way, particularly while VIPs move around.”

It noted that the vehicular traffic volume in Karachi was swelling at the rate of about 400 vehicles per day.

The traffic department has failed to manage and control the same and ensure a smooth flow of traffic. Most of the drivers, particularly of minibuses and coaches do not follow traffic rules. Vendors, pushcarts, encroachments, wrong and illegal parking, etc., are the other factors contributing to road congestion.

In addition to the PMA’s constant efforts to draw the authorities’ attention to the issues, newspapers often publish reports and letters reflecting citizens’ sufferings. Yet, the authorities concerned have only turned a deaf ear to such things. The PMA deplored that no action in this regard had so far been taken.

It demanded immediate steps to ensure a smooth flow of traffic in the city so that ambulances and other vehicles carrying patients in need of urgent medical assistance could reach hospital promptly and without any hindrance.—PPI