KARACHI: People shouldn’t opt for a coronavirus test unless it is recommended by a doctor who would decide whether a person is a ‘suspected case’. This strategy would help save precious resources and time, advised medical experts on Friday.

Presently, only three healthcare facilities in Sindh are carrying out the relevant laboratory test for coronavirus; the Ojha campus of Dow University of Health Sciences, the Indus Hospital (both hospitals are conducting the test free of cost) and the Aga Khan University Hospital.

According to doctors, presently there are two main reasons someone would be tested for the coronavirus; having symptoms, such as fever, cough and shortness of breath or exposure to an infected person.

“At the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Lahore, we have set up a helpline where a doctor decides who requires the test for coronavirus, which is done for free,” said Dr Summiya Nizamuddin.

Two hospitals in Karachi conducting tests free of cost

The test, she said, was presently being done at several health facilities across the country after the National Institute of Health provided testing kits free of cost to some big public sector hospitals while a few health institutions imported the kits from their own resources.

“The test is simple but a bit uncomfortable (for the patient) as it involves taking a swab from deep in a patient’s nasal cavity to collect cells from the back of the nose. The sample is then tested in a laboratory and the result comes within a few hours,” she said.

The more important thing, she pointed out, was how the test was done. “This means that lot of precaution is needed while taking a test sample. The medical staff should be trained and have the required tools to protect themselves,” she explained, adding that if the lab staff didn’t have the whole body suit, at least they should wear a face shield and gloves.

On the use of face masks, most of which are imported products, Dr Naseem Salahuddin of the Indus Hospital said the medical staff was required to use the N95 mask while the general public may use the three-layered lightweight disposable face mask if they got flu or flu-like symptoms or meeting a person infected with coronavirus.

“Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with soap and water. Avoid touching the mask while using it. The mask should be replaced as soon as it damped and discard it in a closed bin,” she said, adding that the whiter side should be kept inside and the green out.

‘Two facilities not enough’

Sharing concerns of the Pakistan Medical Association, Dr Qaiser Sajjad said two facilities for coronavirus were not enough and that the government should at least increase the number of sample collection centres.

The association also advised the public not to believe in rumours. Almost 80 per cent of people develop mild symptoms, and recover from the disease in two weeks. Most of the symptoms could be treated with timely medical care.

Sick stay at home

Risk of death, however, is only higher in older people (above an age of 60 years) and people with pre-existing health conditions.

Given the high infectivity of coronavirus, experts said the sick should stay at home at least for two weeks.

In this respect, they said, employers had a greater responsibility, who should allow the ailing staff to either go on leave or work from home. They should also ensure that hygiene protocols were being observed in the organisation.

“Everybody has a role to play. It is very much need of the hour that our religious scholars advise people on how they could gather for prayers and, at the same time, protect themselves from the virus,” said Dr Nizamuddin.

Published in Dawn, March 14th, 2020