Long March: Islamabad hospitals put on high alert

ISLAMABAD: Hospitals in Islamabad have been placed on high alert on the directives of the Ministry of Health in view of the upcoming long march.

The administration of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and other federal health facilities has been directed to ensure preparedness for any emergency situation.

Polyclinic Hospital has been ordered to remain on high alert until further notice, according to an official communication issued to the hospital administration.

Special duty arrangements have been completed at Polyclinic to deal with any emergency situation. Doctors, nurses and paramedical staff have been directed not to leave the city during the period of heightened alert.

Dr Tanveer Afzal of Polyclinic has been designated as the focal person for handling emergency situations.

The hospital has also been directed to maintain a stock of 100 bags of blood at its blood bank and ensure that all ambulances remain operational and ready for immediate deployment.

The administration has been instructed to maintain adequate stocks of medicines and other medical supplies, while the emergency department will remain on high alert until further notice.

Twenty beds have been reserved in the emergency department for male and female patients.

The hospital has also been directed to ensure an adequate supply of medical oxygen.

In addition, two rooms in the Polyclinic officer ward will remain designated for dealing with emergency situations, according to the official communication.