Rawalpindi: The outpatient departments (OPDs) of the three teaching hospitals in the town including Holy Family Hospital, Benazir Bhutto Hospital and Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital would remain closed on 9th and 10th of Muharram (Saturday & Sunday), however the three hospitals would remain on high alert during Muharram holidays to provide emergency medical cover to the public in the district.
As per directives issued by Rawalpindi Medical University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Umar, the administrations of the allied hospitals claimed to have finalized all necessary arrangements including emergency medicines, sterilized instruments, linen, logistic supplies and adequate staffing to ensure comprehensive and foolproof medical coverage.
The teaching hospitals’ administrations have displayed duty rosters of the staff at their accident and emergency departments for Muharram holidays while the offices of the deputy medical superintendents in A&E departments have been declared as the control rooms for 9th and 10th of Muharram. The allied hospitals have also strengthened their accident and emergency departments for Muharram holidays.
According to the hospitals’ administrations, minor disasters and accidents would be managed using the emergency departments’ resources, however for major disasters or accidents, all available hospitals’ resources including staff and equipment will be pooled according to the hospitals’ disaster management plans.
Administration of Rawalpindi Medical College and allied hospitals informed ‘The News’ that upon receiving information regarding any disaster from district administration, media or from direct patients arrival, the disaster plan will be immediately activated.