LOWER DIR: The Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, has increased the number of beds to 30 in its isolation ward for Covid-19 patients at the district headquarters hospital, Timergara.

The ward was initially established with a capacity of 14 beds in April and then expanded to 24 beds in June following increased flow of patients in the DHQ hospital.

MSF project coordinator Yves Spielmann said this while briefing mediapersons here on Thursday. He said that maintaining regular maternal and neonatal activities at the hospital was the MSF’s top priority.

He said that despite numerous challenges, including shortage of human resources, the MSF continued its life-saving mother and neonate healthcare services without any interruption.

MSF is also now admitting those Covid-19 patients who require oxygen support or hospital care depending on their condition. In the first three months, over 130 patients were admitted to the Covid isolation ward, and a total of 87 patients were referred to other facilities in the province.

A total of 75 patients have recovered and were discharged from the ward. Eleven people lost their lives in Covid-19 facilities in the hospital.

Meanwhile, DHQ hospital’s medical superintendent Dr Shaukat Ali terminated a ward boy, suspended two doctors and ordered stoppage of pay of two nurses for negligence of duty at the emergency ward of the hospital.

The MS along with DMS Dr Salimur Rehman visited the emergency ward, general OPDs, operation theatres, gynaecology and medical wards. It was found that two doctors were absent from duty at the emergency unit who were relieved of duties.

The MS issued orders to stop pay of two nurses who were also absent from duty.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2020