I recently visited Civil Hospital, Dadu, which is the only public hospital which provides health services to a large number of population all around Dadu.

I went there along with my sister for her medical checkup. I observed that the lives of doctors and health staff were at high risk because of coronavirus.

Doctors and health staff were dealing with the patients without any masks and protective equipment. When I asked a medical officer about N95 masks and kits, he replied they were not provided yet. This is a highly hazardous situation for these doctors.

About 200 male and female doctors, 1,000 lower staff and 50 nurses have been working at the hospital without protective equipment. Twelve to 15 doctors are believed to be in quarantine and some of them have reported positive.

I urge the prime minister and Sindh chief minister to provide equipment to doctors and staff as soon as possible.

Ayesha Mehboob Channa

Dadu

Published in Dawn, April 2nd, 2020