Community efforts

The coronavirus pandemic has gripped the whole world. Western economies, so proud of their advanced technologies, have started to feel helpless and resource constrained to tackle the situation. In Pakistan too, the disease is fast spreading taking the toll of corona positives to over 1300 and can turn into an alarming situation if not handled properly. The federal and provincial governments are doing their utmost to combat the situation. The government has taken necessary measures to match healthcare facilities.

In these testing moments, the government alone will not be able to cope up, without the cooperation and participation of the people. Every individual, family and community has a role to play. The bottom line is to reduce the load on hospitals that have little or no treatment to offer but to quarantine and isolate patients till cleared. A panic rush to the hospital will put more people at risk. Preventive measures highlighted through media campaigns must be strictly implemented and ensured by the individuals, families and communities. Staying home is the safest option. Village and mohallah committees must be formed to take on the responsibility of tracing, identifying, isolating and quarantining patients in coordination with the government. Training of community leaders in handling suspected patients is important. Charities and support to the needy must also be regulated through these committees. A unified and collective approach is necessitated to avert this catastrophe.

Saud Bashir

Lahore