KARACHI, Jan 27: The Sindh Health Department has announced a state of emergency in its hospitals throughout the province on Ashura days to combat any untoward incident. A senior official of the department said on Saturday, no doctor and paramedical staff would be allowed to avail leaves from January 27 to 30. The staff were also directed to remain on alert on the 9th and 10th of Muharrum.

The official said private hospitals and healthcare centres had also been asked to remain open on the 9th and 10th of Muharrum and to strengthen their security as well.

Special emergency cells will be set up in Civil Hospital and the health department on 9th and 10th of Muharrum.