Dr Soomro from Gulshan-i-Hadeed, succumbs to coronavirus

KARACHl: A senior doctor, who was tested positive for Covid-19 earlier last week and put on a ventilator a couple of days ago after his condition deteriorated, passed away recently. He became the first health worker to succumb to the deadly coronavirus in Sindh, fanning concerns among health professionals who have been vigorously demanding steps for the protection of their colleagues, officials and sources said.

Dr Abdul Qadir Soomro, 64, breathed his last in the Indus Hospital, where he was moved to ventilator after his coronavirus symptoms stahed worsening. His colleagues and friends were not sure how he actually came into contact with the virus, but agreed that he was actively involved in treating people till a day before he fell ill.

Among the confirmed cases, around a dozen doctors and healthcare workers from different health facilities have tested positive for the coronavirus in Sindh.

Some of his colleagues and friends doubt that Dr Soomro, who was a skin specialist, contracted the viral infection from any of his patients in Gulshan-i-Hadeed, where so far three patients have tested positive for the virus.

The Sindh health department has already placed a ban on conducting OPDs at all the hospitals and clinics in Malir district, after Dr Soomro and three other persons tested positive, fearing the funher spread of the coronavirus in the area.

A notification issued by the district health officer of Malir last week said that a complete ban had been imposed on OPDs at all hospitals in Gulshan-i-Hadeed, but emergencies at the hospitals would remain open and staff of all health facilities would remain present for their duties.

-MN Report