Major allied hospitals in Rawalpindi have been placed on full alert following the emergency declared across Punjab, with contingency plans activated to ensure swift medical response in case of any untoward situation.
According to Dr Ikramullah Niazi, Medical Superintendent of District Headquarters Hospital, comprehensive emergency arrangements have been put in place in line with directives from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and the provincial health department.
Talking to APP on Monday, he said a dedicated backup trauma team had been constituted in addition to the already operational trauma unit. “One trauma team is already present at the hospital, while an additional team has been formed to ensure response within 30 minutes,” he added.
Dr Ikramullah said 40 beds in the emergency department had been kept vacant to cater to any emergency. Adequate stocks of essential medicines were already available, while further supplies had been ensured to avoid any shortage in a crisis.
He said the hospital’s on-call system had been fully activated, along with backup and security mechanisms, including generator systems to ensure uninterrupted power supply. All departments were in close liaison to guarantee a coordinated response within 30 minutes in case of any emergency.
Meanwhile, Dr Sharjeel Sheikh, Medical Superintendent of Benazir Bhutto Hospital, told APP that a 50-bed contingency plan had been finalized, while the medical emergency department was already functioning with 24 beds.
He said special emergency contact numbers had been shared to facilitate coordination and response. All medical and paramedical staff had been placed on high alert to deal with any developing situation.
At Holy Family Hospital, a similar emergency plan has been implemented. Hospital management has placed wards, operation theatres, the blood bank and trauma centres on high alert to ensure preparedness and uninterrupted medical services.
Hospital authorities said all three major facilities were maintaining constant communication and coordination to ensure a prompt and effective response under the province-wide emergency arrangements.