Pakistan’s leading doctors are requesting the government to close mosques during Ramadan. They fear a catastrophic spike in coronavirus infections during the Muslim holy month. The holy month is expected to begin by the end of this week in Pakistan.
Punjab Doctors also raise their concern
After Sindh, the Punjab Chapter of PMA also urged the government to review their decision regarding congregational prayers and Taraweeh at mosques during Ramadan. Doctors call for strict lockdown and warn of coronavirus spiraling out of control.
A recent post on Twitter showed Doctors in Lahore were deeply concerned about the increase in COVID-19 cases. In a press conference on Thursday in Lahore, the president of PMA Punjab said, “Patients are not in thousands but much more. God Forbid, If things go out of control then we have to treat the patients on the streets. Next 2 to 4 weeks are most important for Pakistan.”
Doctors in Lahore today echo exactly what doctors in Karachi said yesterday. However, PTI propagandist Shahbaz Gill keeps saying that doctors were acting on bhehalf of the Sindh govt. Are Punjab doctors too working for Sindh govt? pic.twitter.com/IGhnc3y7K2
— Murtaza Solangi (@murtazasolangi) April 23, 2020
Doctors in Sindh demand tougher lockdown
At a news conference on late Wednesday, doctors from the Sindh chapter of Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) had urged the government of Pakistan to rethink its decision to allow mosques to open during Ramadan.
Pakistan’s doctors warn of a looming Corona disaster, demand tough lock-down of business, religious gatherings. Say staff, doctors r falling sick; normal hospitals can choke. Say Pak can witness exponential, Italy-like growth. Say lockdown easing a bad, destructive decision. pic.twitter.com/vBZGV5KXuD
— Syed Talat Hussain (@TalatHussain12) April 22, 2020
Doctors all over Pakistan, specifically Sindh, have been pleading the federal government to ban congregations. However, the federal government is not listening and calling it a PPP conspiracy. Senator Murtaza Wahab also urged the federal government to support the doctors.
Doctors, nurses & paramedics are not just our front line of defence, they are our only line of defence in our fight against #COVIDー19. Plz listen to what they are telling you, it is for your own good. It is good for our elders & loved ones. Thank u. Pakistan Zindabad
— SenatorMurtaza Wahab (@murtazawahab1) April 22, 2020
Saad Niaz, a doctor speaking at the conference, warned that ICU beds and isolation facilities in Karachi are already in a limited capacity due to an increase in COVID-19 cases. They would be overwhelmed in a few days unless drastic measures were taken.
The inefficiency of the government during the lockdown
The federal government has indeed been unable to curb the threat posed by COVID-19. It has bowed down to the demand of the religious clerics and has not adhered to the guidelines of its doctors. This has resulted in criticism from a few social and political activists.
Been saying this, will repeat, PTI elected to power is the worst thing ever to happen to Pakistan. Discrediting the doctors in these crucial times and bowing down to the mullah mafia endangering thousands of lives, indeed history will never forget nor forgive! #COVID19
— Saman Jafriسمن جعفری (@SsamanJay) April 22, 2020
In Pakistan, Corona can create a situation worse than Italy. Lockdown easing has devastating consequences. From now on, hospitals, doctors, nurses, staff are working to the limit. If the lockdown does not intensify, the catastrophe will be uncontrollable. #COVID19
— Ehsan Achakzai (@e_achakzai) April 22, 2020
Pakistan has a population of around 220 million people. The country has recorded more than 10,500 COVID-19 cases and 224 deaths. Healthcare practitioners in the country have already warned that the country has fewer than 3,000 ventilators and health workers lack enough protective gear.
It is essential to note that Pakistani doctors are combating COVID-19. They are doing their best to save their fellow citizens. With the war waging against the novel coronavirus, these doctors have nothing to offer except bestowing the ultimate sacrifice of their blood, toil, tears, and sweat.
We reside in a society, where inadequacy of health facilities, leadership being indolent, and not hyperactive in any situation is quite banal.
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