Tackling with coronavirus was a test of a country’s technological infrastructure as well as strength of healthcare system. Many countries showed swift response to the calamity with the use of technology. It was a big challenge to not only test and isolate the covid patients, but also trace their stream of contacts in the past two weeks and isolate those people as well.
Like any other developing country, Pakistan faced severe wrath of coronavirus, given its weak healthcare system. Technology was another issue. Initially Pakistan struggled with its testing capacity as well. Private hospital facilities, corona update in Pakistan and maintaining social distance were some major challenges the country faced.
Provincial governments established covid isolation centers in several cities. However, their facilities were another problem. Many people resisted going to isolation centers due to horrifying experiences people shared. It was a state of chaos and mayhem never experienced before.
The dwindling healthcare system of the country tried its best to deal with the pandemic. There was a lot of external support, particularly from China. China displayed its gesture of friendship and dauntless support through massive PPE supplies, testing kits and training of medical professionals. Private hospitals established separate corona ward for the treatment of patients. The Aga Khan University Hospital has been a leading name in healthcare sector to do covid testing and treat covid patients. The hospital strictly adheres to SOPs within the hospital to maintain highest degree of disinfection controlling spread of hospital-transmitted virus. The hospital also conducted training of its medical professionals and staff with respect to how to don PPE, treat the patients and SOPs to follow during the treatment.
With the passage of time as the country is going through the second wave things have improved a lot. Private hospital facilities, corona update in Pakistan and other issues have become much better. However, people need to take a lot of care and precaution. Social distancing and wearing face masks is highly recommended. As the virus is still very active, people should ideally avoid going to crowded places. With the vaccination program in process, things are expected to get better with time. The healthcare workers have been the first ones to be vaccinated. In the second phase, senior citizens are being vaccinated. The third phase entails vaccination of the rest of the age groups. People must show restrain at least till nationwide vaccination program has been conducted.
