IF the Sharifs and the Khans would take a tea break from their wrangling, we have a pressing issue: how will Pakistan deal with Ebola?

Our resources are limited, our expertise on the issue non-existent and we have a semi-literate population.

Pakistan needs to invest in point of entry screening. There is a need for qualified medical staff and equipment. Sealed locations for victims need to be considered.

The four provinces should have dedicated locations to house victims. Secure transportation to these locations should be provided. A mass education of citizens would be undertaken about symptoms, precautions and hygiene.

This epidemic threat is not as far-fetched as it seems. A sailor who visits West Africa could innocently bring the virus.

Equating the inconvenience caused to motorcyclists and motorists because the faithful are performing the ritual of sacrifice in the middle of a road with the suffering and agony of those men, women and infants who are cheating death on hospital beds is horrendous indeed. The hospital administration must be taken to task for allowing such a terrible incident to take place without any fear of check or accountability.

Ijaz Ul-Haque
United States

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SO far there have been no reported cases of Ebola virus infection in Pakistan and hopefully this will remain so, but we do have a small Pakistani presence in countries hit by Ebola, for instance, Liberia.

Then there is the ever-present danger of MERS virus arriving from the Middle East. The prime minister is requested to form a special body to look into the matter of preparedness and prevention of Ebola. Many countries have stopped the free entry of people who have visited the worst- affected countries, and many airlines have started screening procedures.

To date, there is no known cure for this disease, the mortality rate for which is about 70per cent and as a result dozens upon dozens of health workers caring for patients have died.

A good deal can still be done by preparing special isolation systems and special treatment chambers for patients and following good quarantine procedures.

Dr M.I. Shaikh
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2014