Matrix Report
Following observations are from a doctor at a Public hospital in Islamabad. We may not necessarily agree with all of his views but – in larger public interest – we feel obliged to share this with all and sundry.
As I am going to almost end my 2 weeks duty in corona screening at a public hospital in Islamabad, I have observed a few things which I would like to share with publics as well with concerned authorities:
- Initially it was travel history which was important but now, local spread of disease is common so foreign travel history doesn’t matter much
Solution: We need to change our criteria for screening asap. If we don’t do it. In a period of a month, you will achieve disaster because of silent infected people.
- The low count of COVID-19 in Pakistan is because we are testing only limited and particular set of people.
Solution: As WHO recommended, test test and test, All the major countries hit by corona have tested thousands time more people than us. Whether you get it from jack ma or bill gates, please start massive screening. I repeat it, please do testing.
- Because of continuous negative campaigns and horrible quarantine stories, and stigma associated with the disease, people are now afraid of getting tested. It will be the biggest hurdle in coming days.
Solution: We need to eradicate the negative social media stories about stigma and make well facilitated quarantine centers. People will like to better die at home instead of dying in quarantine center and hospitals.
- Government of Pakistan wants to give an impression that everything is under control. They are doing the same as, Shahbaz Sharif would do, “shobda bazi” (photo sessions, press talks, etc) and showing all is well but all is not well. It will explode Mr. Khan.
Solution: instead of daily calling upon media persons and answering their untoward questions, you need to sit with experts related to health and epidemiologist and formulate ways. You can’t hide it for long time, you can’t ornament it for long time.
- The government is not using the health force appropriately and are exposing every body to virus by not providing them with standard protective equipment/gears. Time is not far when many of the medical force will be infected and there will be no one to run the hospitals.
Solution: please sit with health experts, and follow the China’s model that how they protected their medical force. Don’t salute the doctors and medical staff rather equip them please. Your ventilators will be of no use if the operational force is ill or quarantined or not trained.
- People are totally indifferent to what a menace we are facing, we still haven’t done enough social distancing in its true sense.
Solution : Use force if needed to maintain the govt writ. Plus do educational programs at gross root leval.
May Almighty help us all!
