PMA, YNA, and SPSWO express concern over countrywide PPE shortage

KARACHI: Representatives of the Pakistan Medical Association, Young Nurses Association (YNA) Sindh, and Sindh Paramedical Staff Welfare Organization have expressed grave concern over the unavailability of Personal Protective Equipment in Pakistan’s public sector hospitals particularly in Sindh. They demanded the concerned authorities to ensure the provision of safety equipment to the medical staff working in these health facilities.

Secretary-General, Pakistan Medical Association (Centre), Dr S M Qaisar Sajjad, expressed concern over the unavailability Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) in the public hospitals all over Pakistan, noting that the medical staff is serving the people of Pakistan without any protection or safety.

He explained that doctors, nurses, and paramedics are on the front line in the war against the coronavirus. Their lives are at risk, and in the present situation, they are examining the patients at the cost of their lives. Their families’ lives are also at risk. He said several doctors, nurses, and paramedics have tested positive for coronavirus in the country as they were not provided with the necessary safety equipment during their duties.

Doctors, nurses, and paramedics have been reluctant to continue their jobs in the hospitals in such circumstances, he said. The provision of personal protection equipment is the responsibility of the federal and provincial government, he added.

He requested all paramedics and doctors to follow preventive measures as per the WHO’s guideline and avoid examining coronavirus patients without any Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).

Central Leader of Young Nurses Association (YNA) Sindh, Aijaz Kelari, appealed to the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers of all the provinces to provide safety kits to the medical staff serving in these health facilities as they are unable to perform their duties properly.

He said that the medical force urgently needs Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to effectively fight the war against the coronavirus. Nurses all over the country urgently need transport facilities as well due to the unavailability of public transport.

Chairman Sindh Paramedical Staff Welfare Organization, Javed Mirza, demanded the Sindh government to announce a special high-risk allowance for doctors, paramedics, and nurses who were performing their duties round the clock treating coronavirus patients.

He said that the medical staff should be given transport facilities, travel and utility allowances, and Personal Protective Equipment as they are putting their lives in danger.

-MN Report