Covid-19 patients: AKHS, P launches emergency response centre in Mastuj, Chitral

KARACHI: A 20-bed emergency response centre for Covid-19 patients, established by the Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan (AKHS,P), was inaugurated in Mastuj, Upper Chitral.

The Centre is the third emergency response centre to be established in Chitral, following those recently established at Booni and Garamchashma to respond to the rising number of infections. Construction for the purpose-built facility has been carried out by the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat.

Twenty-three (23) staff, including 6 doctors, 6 nurses and 2 nursing assistants will be fully dedicated to the facility. The Centre will provide care to Covid-19 patients with mild and moderate symptoms, and 10 of the 20 beds have been especially reserved for female patients.

Speaking at the ceremony, chief guest Mozzam Khan Bangash, Assistant Commissioner, Mastuj, said: "We welcome this facility established by Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan, which is the need of the hour. If someone contracts COVID-19, it is their civic responsibility to step forward and seek treatment. This way, timely treatment can be provided to the patient and the disease is not spread to others." He also urged those present to practice physical distancing and proper hygiene.

Also present at the event was Dr Shahzada Haider-ul-Mulk, District Health Officer, Lower Chitral.

"The Covid-19 pandemic is a crisis like no other for which the private sector and the government need to work together to respond to. Every intervention makes a difference, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan, to improve the situation in Chitral."-PR

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020