Hospitals told to reserve 30% beds for critical cases as Indo-Pak tensions mount

Islamabad:Amid escalating Indo-Pak tensions, the Islamabad Health Regulatory Authority has directed all public and private hospitals in the federal capital to declare a health emergency, set aside 30 per cent of their beds for critical patients and offer free medical care during any emergency situation.

In a memo issued to the hospitals on the directives of national health services minister Mustafa Kamal, the regulator ordered the maintaining of fully stocked blood banks with all blood types and anti-sera, supported by a current list of registered donors. It also directed hospitals to ensure that all vital biomedical equipment such as MRI machines, ventilators, and surgical theatres is fully functional.

To support rapid emergency response, the memo said that medical, nursing, and support staff must be available around the clock. The IHRA further called for improved coordination with Rescue 1122, district health departments and local administration and said hospitals should ensure an uninterrupted power supply through standby generators and maintain consistent access to water. It also said all communication systems, including telephone lines and mobile networks, must be kept operational to support emergency functions. Also, security measures have been reinforced to ensure readiness for any unforeseen events.

Meanwhile, NHS Minister Mustafa Kamal on Friday visited the IHRA offices here and attended a briefing by CEO Syed Ahmed Raza Kazmi on the authority’s internal operations and the emerging challenges posed by growing Indo-Pak tensions. The minister said that all health agencies and hospitals had been placed on high alert.

He said amid the current geopolitical uncertainty, the ministry was actively rolling out comprehensive contingency plans to tackle any potential emergencies. Kamal emphasised that the top priority was to provide swift and unhindered medical care to anyone injured or unwell during the crisis.

“Our health infrastructure is prepared to respond swiftly and effectively should the need arise,” he said. The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to public health, saying all necessary steps are being taken to strengthen the healthcare system’s capacity during the current period of heightened tensions. He said the ministry was keeping a close watch on the situation to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the population.