Pakistan activates emergency health response

ISLAMABAD: Following Indian attacks on civilian infrastructure and sensitive sites in Pakistan late Tuesday night, the Federal Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination swiftly activated its emergency health response system, declaring a national medical emergency and mobilising all healthcare institutions under its jurisdiction.

The Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) at the National Institute of Health (NIH) was immediately activated, while a 24/7 Emergency Quick Response Centre has been established to monitor the evolving situation and coordinate rapid response to any health-related fallout across the country.

All public hospitals in Islamabad have been placed on high alert with emergency protocols in effect. Tertiary care hospitals across Pakistan have been instructed to reserve at least 20 percent of their beds for emergency use.

Hospital managements have also been directed to ensure an uninterrupted supply of essential medicines and medical supplies through local procurement if necessary. In a series of emergency directives issued early Wednesday morning, all scheduled leaves of doctors, nurses, paramedics, and administrative staff of federal hospitals and institutions have been cancelled with immediate effect. All personnel have been instructed to report to duty without delay and remain on standby for emergency deployment.

The Federal Minister for Health, Mustafa Kamal, also announced the cancellation of his planned official visits to Geneva and Qatar, declaring that his priority lies with the people of Pakistan during this critical time. “At this moment, my top priority is to focus on the domestic situation and ensure the protection of public health,” he said in a statement.

To ensure inter-agency coordination, the National Emergency Health Services (NEHS) has been ordered to maintain direct communication with all provincial health departments. Provincial Secretaries of Health have been instructed to keep their emergency health response plans aligned with evolving federal directives. The NIH has designated two senior officers to serve as focal persons to liaise with the NEHS, further enhancing coordination between federal and provincial health authorities.

In Islamabad, the Deputy Commissioner and other district officials visited major hospitals and issued instructions to discharge all non-critical patients to free up space for emergency cases. Both government and private healthcare facilities have been ordered to vacate and prepare beds for any potential mass casualty situations.

Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has also been directed to ensure the uninterrupted supply of life-saving medicines and medical equipment across Pakistan, especially to facilities in high-risk zones. DRAP is tasked with actively monitoring stock levels and removing any bureaucratic delays in the procurement or distribution of emergency medical items.

As tensions escalate in the region, the Ministry of Health’s rapid mobilisation underscores the urgency and seriousness of the situation. Authorities are calling on the public to remain calm but vigilant and to follow health and safety advisories issued by the government.

The government has also reached out to provincial disaster management authorities and other civil agencies to ensure an integrated national response in case of further escalation or casualties. Hospital emergency rooms, blood banks, and trauma centres have been reinforced with additional staff and resources, and coordination with law enforcement and rescue services has been strengthened to manage possible mass emergencies.