The Punjab Health Department has evolved a contingency plan to provide round-the-clock quick healthcare during the Eid holidays. Directions have been issued to principals of all autonomous medical colleges in the Punjab, medical superintendents of all teachings hospitals and district and tehsil headquarters hospitals, heads of special health institutions, executive district officers and the director general and director of health services.
"They have been told to provide efficient medical cover including standby arrangements for medical, surgical or special care expected in case of an emergency. They have also been asked to ensure availability of senior administrators and medical staff besides issuing emergency duty rosters, emergency situation crisis management plans, life saving medicines, vaccines, disposables, linen and reserve beds," Health Department sources said.
Post-Graduate Medical Institute and Lahore General Hospital Principal Professor Khalid Mahmood said, "Patient care cannot be ignored at any cost in the name of the Eid holidays and the administration has deputed AMS and DMSs to serve on this occasion at hospital.
"These administrative doctors would have to confirm their presence by ringing a call to principal on hospital's official Phone numbers. Staff of polio counters performing the duty of vaccination and issuing certificates to passengers going abroad would also be present during the holidays. Dengue staff will also continue their services during these days."
Professor Mahmood also said the hospital would be open during the holidays and that in-charges of administrative departments would be duty bound to get permission in advance before leaving the station. The meeting also decided that staff of the Out-Door Patients Department would work at the Emergency Ward.
Professor Khalid Mahmood stated that the leaves of sanitary inspectors and security staff of all the three shifts have been cancelled and AMS Administration and Nursing Superintendent have also been stopped to allow additional leave to their subordinates. He stressed upon security staff to keep vigilant during holidays and ensure fool proof arrangements by not allowing any staff member to leave his duty before his replacement reached. He also announced that hospital lab would remain open round the clock.
Moreover, Punjab Health Department has issued necessary instructions to prevent and control Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic (CCHF) Fever cases on the occasion of forth coming Eid ul Azha when a large scale movement of sacrificial animals are taking place in the province. CCHF is viral disease of human beings transmitted by "Ticks" found on the skin of animals like sheep, Goats, Cattle 7 Camels which can spread to the medical professionals, traders of animals and buyers. With a view to forestall the suspected outbreak of CCHF, there is a need to take immediate precautionary measures to check the spread of ticks and CCHF.
A Health Department spokesman said special measures like limestone marking, spray, treatment of affected animals etc should be initiated at cattle markets, slaughter houses, dairy/gawala colonies, animal sale yards and other animal gathering places.
The spokesman also said recommended tick repellent spray should be carried out in and around the designated sale points/cattle markets. The services of the District Livestock officers and veterinary staff in the districts should be fully utilized for avoiding spread of this disease. Public health experts have advised butchers, animal handlers to take precautionary measures while disposing off the blood and other secretions of the animals to avoid direct contact with it.