Reopening hospitals

As the country faces an extended lockdown due to coronavirus pandemic, many citizens are not able to receive basic services which are essential. Although the government is suggesting to tighten the lockdown, it seems that it has not even committed to basic measures adopted all over the world.

Many non-essential services have been suspended such as eateries, salons, and shopping centres as the lockdown now enters its third week, but citizens cannot receive essential health services. Hospitals have closed OPDs, except for coronavirus patients and extreme emergencies, while clinics also shut. This has left thousands of patients unable to get medical care for a variety of ailments.

The Chief Justice of Pakistan has expressed his displeasure over the closure of OPDs saying that patients are left at the mercy of God. The top judge remarked that he had to take his wife for a medical check-up at a private hospital but the OPD was not functional. This shows the gravity of the situation and the effect on ordinary citizens who cannot receive medical care.

The chief justice has criticized the government’s preparedness for the coronavirus pandemic and lack of coordination among various stakeholders. He said the federal government was not doing enough over the health emergency, and while directives were been given and reports submitted, there was no clear implementation on the ground.

The concerns of the chief justice are justified. The government seems to have shifted its entire focus on the COVID-19 pandemic, which is undoubtedly a crisis of epic proportions. However, patients suffering from other serious ailments including heart diseases, diabetics, and even surgeries require immediate help. Hospitals cannot be remain shut for extended periods and the health of other patients should be considered.

The chief justice said there should be practical measures to cope with the situation instead of just telling people to stay at home and adopt safety measures. There is no mechanism to build face masks and there are just a few thousand ventilators in the country. The government should consider re-opening OPDs at all public and private hospitals for other patients as it could be another health crisis.