Heat Stroke Relief Center Established; In Light Of Karachi’s Extreme Weather Conditions

KARACHI- Dr. Ruth KM Pfau, Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK), has established 16-bedded Heatstroke Management Centre to cater heatstroke patients and its related emergencies.

The air-coordinators have been installed and necessary medicines like drips, ORS, liquids have been stocked to deal with the affected people.  Additional Medical Superintendent, Indoor, CHK, Dr. Nasrullah has been appointed as the focal person. Doctors, nurses and paramedical staff have also been deputed to deal emergency cases.

Medical Superintendent, Dr. Ruth KM Pfau CHK, Dr. Muhammad Taufiq, said CHK administration has devised a comprehensive strategy heat-wave emergency plan to save citizens from expected heat-wave, in the light of Met Office prediction. Furthermore, he informed that life-saving drugs have been stocked which are enough for approximately 100 patients, while air conditioners have also been installed. He explained that heatstroke patients after receiving first aid from Emergency Department will be shifted to special heatstroke ward for further treatment. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) facility is also put on standby till the end of summer season.

Dr. Taufiq explained that, tiredness, dehydration, weakness, severe headache, vomiting and irregularities in breathing are some common symptoms, which may lead a person towards heatstroke. He added that, children and elderly people are most vulnerable to this kind of situation. Preventive measures are necessary to save them from such extreme weather conditions.

He advised the citizens to avoid unnecessary exposure in sun, to opt for light colored dresses, cover their heads whenever outside, increase liquid intake to avoid dehydration. Patients affected by heat should be referred to nearby health facilities for proper management.