ISLAMABAD: A 250-bed hospital dedicated to treating patients of Covid-19 in the capital was completed on Saturday, Minister for Planning Asad Umar announced.

He said the hospital took almost 40 days to complete, and with it finished it has become possible to accommodate more patients in Islamabad.

Prime Minister Imran Khan will inaugurate the hospital in a week, he said.

In addition to the new hospital in Chak Shahzad, Mr Umar said the capacity of other hospitals including the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), Polyclinic and Capital Hospital has been increased as well.

He added that the public should follow standard operating procedures (SOP) and wear masks, avoid shaking hands and continue to practice social distancing.

Says PM to inaugurate hospital in a week

“The SOPs are simple and everyone can follow them. However, there can be a high price for violating the SOPs. If you want that your businesses would remain open, follow the SOPs,” he said.

He said that if SOPs are violating, businesses will be closed and activities will stop.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services Dr Zafar Mirza on Saturday visited hospitals in Islamabad to inspect their arrangements for Covid-19 patients.

Also on Saturday, a company donated personal protective equipment to Pims.

Joint Executive Director Dr Minhajus Siraj said that 1,500 protective suits, 4,500 pairs of gloves, 3,000 face shields and 3,000 masks were provided to the hospital.

Private clinic sealed

A private clinic was sealed in the capital because a doctor who had tested positive for Covid-19 was treating patients.

The hospital was sealed by the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad’s Health Services Directorate.

Health Services Director General Dr Hasan Urooj told the press that the clinic, which is located in G-7, was raided based on a tip.

“Not only there were hygiene issues but it was revealed that the doctor was seeing patients despite having Covid-19. The clinic has been sealed,” he said.

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2020