By Mukhtar Alam:

Apprehending that number of COVID-19 was going to increase in Sindh in the coming days, the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) on April 3 hinted it will have to expand its existing care facilities for coronavirus positive patients significantly.

An SIUT press release issued on April 3 said that the institute will need further ventilators and intensive care facilities to meet the future load of corona positive patients.

The communication was not clear about the availability of the required resources or new equipment, however, a source in the institute said that anyone can help in such an emergency situation. “Like the past, it can be government or philanthropists.”

The SIUT had started an exclusive coronavirus clinic on March 18, inviting its registered patients as well as the general population suspecting the viral disease within them to report to the clinic for related screening. According to the press release, said that reporting of the suspected cases had been extraordinary. “Till date about 3,600 patients have been screened, of which 25 tested positive for coronavirus.”

It was said that coronavirus has completely paralyzed the entire world, having created a sense of insecurity and helplessness. The countries considered most developed economies, whose priorities were wars and weapons, are struggling to cope with the pandemic now.

“Now when they are in grip of the corona pandemic, their health infrastructure appears completely shattered. They are short of ventilators to save their ailing populations,” the SIUT communication noted.

The SIUT mentioned that when the corona pandemic started in Pakistan, preventive measures were half-hearted there, except in Sindh. “Our health facilities are already meager and not in a position to face this disaster so the nation needed coordinated and prompt measures to face this challenge.”

In the given condition the SIUT started playing the front line role in serving the humanity, the press release said further, highlighting that of the patients tested positive for coronavirus nine with minor symptoms were advised home quarantine, 11 were admitted in the isolation ward, while five were admitted in the ICU who needed ventilator support.

“In the coming days we will need more and more ventilators and ICU facilities,” the communication concluded.

Meanwhile, an SIUT personnel said that the institute’s coronavirus Helpline (021 99215469) was also playing an important role in assisting the public round the clock, where doctors provide them information about preventive measures and guidelines.