ISLAMABAD: As political situation has rapidly been changing in the federal capital, all hospitals of the city have been put on high alert till April 3.

According to a letter of District Magistrate Islamabad written to the Executive Director Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), available with Dawn, in order to meet any emergency situation during the political parties’ public meetings in Islamabad, it has been decided to keep all the hospitals on high alert till the culmination of the said events.

All hospitals have been directed to nominate focal persons and share their contact numbers as Assistant Commissioner Industrial Area Awaid Irshad will coordinate with them. It is also directed to ensure compliance with the AC’s instructions.

It is further mentioned in the letter that the rallies and political activities may be continued till April 3 so hospitals will remain on high alert till that date.

Minister of Interior Sheik Rasheed Ahmed has already said that the voting on no-confidence motion may take place on April 3 or 4.

Pims Media Coordinator Dr Waseem Khawaja, while talking to Dawn, said putting hospitals on high alert in such situation was routine matter.

“Leaves of staff have been cancelled to ensure their availability in case of emergency. Specialists have been instructed to ensure their presence in the hospitals and, in case of any emergency, they will take round of wards twice a day in the morning and evening,” he said.

“During such occasions, 25 beds are kept vacant all the time. Blood bank is instructed to ensure availability of blood. At least 50 bags of O Negative Blood will be ensured to be available because in case of emergency it becomes difficult to arrange O Negative Blood. Moreover, medicines in emergency department will be doubled,” he said.

While replying to a question Dr Khuwaja said that all the staff has been instructed to ensure that their mobile phones are not switched off and in case of unavailability of mobile service doctors, nurses and paramedics have to inform the exchange that on which PTCL number they will be available.

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2022