LAHORE – As many as 5000 children have been treated for Pneumonia in the Pediatric Emergency Rooms of Mayo Hospital, Lahore, and Children’s Hospital, Multan, in the last two months.
The doctors in these emergency rooms have saved the lives of 99 per cent of all the children reported to these two hospitals with pneumonia in the said period. These ERs are supported by ChildLife Foundation in partnership with the government to improve the emergency services and provide children quality emergency care, 24/7 and free of cost in the ERs, achieving remarkable results in the fight against this deadly pediatric ailment.
The pediatric emergency rooms of the said hospitals are managed with standardized medical protocols for common childhood diseases like pneumonia and ensure early disease identification, timely management with oxygen, bubble CPAP (a non-invasive device for lung inflation), and antibiotics to significantly enhance the chances of saving more children.
The Pediatric Pneumonia is a severe respiratory disease affecting the lungs and it has been exacerbated by poor air quality in cities like Lahore and Multan. The lungs, normally filled with air, become clogged with pus and fluid in pneumonia patients, leading to breathing difficulties and a lack of oxygen.
It is pertinent to mention here that the International Federation of Emergency Medicine (IFEM) reports 50 per cent child mortality can be reduced by improving and optimizing emergency rooms in lower-middle-income countries like Pakistan.