Karachi Loses Another Cop
Head constable Abdul Aziz succumbed to COVID-19 during treatment at the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT). Aziz is the third policeman to die to the virus in the past four days, and the fifth in Karachi. So far, 170 officers in Sindh law enforcement personnel assigned to COVID-19 related duties have taken ill with the virus, among whom 31 have recovered. Sindh Police Chief Mushtaq Mahar announced a relief package of Rs. 10,000 to affected personnel.
Infant Mortality To Rise: UN
A UN report named Pakistan among ten countries to experience a surge in the mortality rate among children less than 5 years of age by 45%. The report drew its conclusions from a computer model that generated calculations based on the current impact of COVID-19 on family planning, post-natal care, child vaccinations and preventative and curative treatments.
Although Pakistan has been experiencing a downward trend in infant mortality and maternal deaths owing to improvements in medicines, treatment methods and technology, its progress appears threatened by the adverse effects of the coronavirus pandemic upon its still fragile healthcare sector.
Gastro Diseases Expected To Increase
Doctors expect a rise in gastrointestinal diseases such as diarrhea and typhoid as the lockdown eases and people resume eating unhygienic street food. Rising temperatures and lack of dietary caution may contribute to the number of patients with gastrointestinal disorders. Doctors implore people to practice caution as due to the current COVID-19 crisis is burdening the healthcare system, fewer doctors will be available to tend to patients with non-virus related diseases.
JPMC Vandalized By Patient’s Family
The Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) in Karachi was vandalized by an enraged mob for refusing to hand over the body of a deceased relative who had succumbed to COVID-19. According to hospital administration, bodies of COVID-19 patients cannot be handed over without due authorization from the government, and without following a certain set of strict SOPs.
Lack of awareness among citizens is seriously undermining the work and efforts of healthcare professionals, stated JPMC representatives.