The Punjab Health Department put all government hospitals on alert and cancelled leaves of doctors and paramedical staff during the month of Muharram, said an official notification issued on Monday.
According to the notification, the health department has cancelled leaves of doctors, nurses, paramedics and other staff of government hospitals. The health authorities have also directed teaching hospitals’ administrations to take necessary steps to meet any emergency situation and ensure availability of life-saving medicines and keeping operation theaters in working condition.The staff of hospitals’ emergency departments has been directed to remain alert, especially on Ashura.
The hospitals have also been instructed to keep additional staff on duty in emergency departments on 9th and 10th of Muharram.
The Punjab health department had also issued the Standard Operating Procedures aimed to prevent the spread of Covid -19 during the Muharram gatherings and processions. Medical professionals and authorities had voiced fears against a second wave of the novel coronavirus as the govt reopened businesses and various sectors after decline in cases.
“Activities involving gathering of people during Muharram like Majalis, rallies, Zuljinnah and Alam processions, etc., are prone to close contact, surface sharing and environmental contamination with Covid-19 infection. Thus, abiding by preventive measures and strict compliance of SOPs is very important during all events of Muharram,” the official notification read.
