Injured people at risk as Karachi faces shortage of tetanus injections

Karachi is grappling with a severe shortage of tetanus injections, posing a significant risk to injured individuals seeking medical treatment.

According to a local English newspaper, many hospitals in the city have been compelled to turn away patients in need of the medication due to its unavailability.

Medical professionals from various private and public hospitals have confirmed the persistent shortage, which has persisted for nearly a month. Furthermore, they highlighted that tetanus injections are being sold on the black market at exorbitant prices due to scarcity.

Acknowledging the crisis, an official from the Indus Hospital stated that while they are contending with the shortage internally, it remains a pressing concern. Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, the secretary general of the Pakistan Medical Association-Centre, expressed grave concerns, noting that individuals sustaining injuries in Karachi are at risk of severe health complications if not promptly treated with anti-tetanus medication. He emphasized that the consequences of tetanus can be life-threatening, underscoring the urgent need for immunization as the primary preventive measure.

Tetanus, commonly referred to as lockjaw, is a serious nervous system disorder caused by a toxin-producing bacterium. Its symptoms include muscle contractions, particularly affecting the jaw and neck muscles. Given the gravity of the disease, vaccination stands as the sole effective preventive measure against tetanus.

The scarcity of tetanus injections extends beyond Karachi, affecting the entire nation. To address the shortfall, the Punjab government is taking steps to procure 1.5 million doses of the medication from a pharmaceutical company. It is anticipated that the imported consignment will arrive in the coming days, providing some relief to the ongoing crisis.