PIMS arranges for extra emergency beds

Islamabad: The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), which should remain in a state of high alert every single day to be able to better cope with its patient load, has canceled the leaves of all its employees and has instructed them to remain ‘available and alert’ in case of any unforeseen eventuality.

A decision to this effect was taken on Wednesday during an emergency meeting held under the chairmanship of the hospital’s Executive Director Dr. Raja Amjad Chaudhry. The meeting was later joined by Minister for Health Aamir Mehmood Kiani who took stock of the emergency arrangements in place at PIMS.

“There is a high alert in the hospital and no leave is permissible till further orders,” reads an official document. While arrangements have been made to increase the number of emergency beds, the meeting also decided to convert the new emergency into a ward for 40 patients requiring minor surgeries. “Ten beds of pre-Cath lab. and 15 beds on the 1st and 2nd floor will be available for emergency,” the note states.

Dr. Tariq Iqbal and Dr. Zofishan Jabeen have been entrusted with managing the Burn Care Centre and Dr. Razzaq Soomro with the Childrens’ Hospital. Blood stocks will be made available to meet any emergency situation. Fuel will also be made available for 4-5 days in all clinical components of PIMS, and 17 ambulances will be kept in a state of preparedness with drivers. Meanwhile, the Accounts Department has been instructed to ensure the availability of Rs. 5-10 lakh for purchase of essential items in case of emergency.