PMA for protective gear: Concern over shortage of safety gear for health professionals

LAHORE: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has observed protective items required for the healthcare providers treating coronavirus and other patients are being used by those who did not require them.

Particularly the misuse of N-95 masks has been observed by a large number of members of PMA and general public. PMA (Centre) Secretary General Dr SM Qaisar Sajjad, in a statement on Wednesday, said that these days politicians and bureaucrats were often seen wearing N-95 mask during their meetings and visits, whereas, health professionals were facing dire shortage of N-95 mask and other personal protective equipment.

This is important to note that N-95 mask is not necessary for everybody. This is only needed in the quarantine and isolation facilities for the health providers treating coronavirus patients, who are at the highest risk of acquiring coronavirus.

Doctors should be protected as they are frontline soldiers against coronavirus, tht PMA secretary general said. There are different types of masks available for healthcare providers and general public, the PMA office-bear said, adding the general public could use handmade washable masks, which should be washed every day. Surgical mask is for healthcare workers who are treating non-coronavirus patients at primary care level and during surgeries. The media should play their due role in creating awareness in this regard, he concluded.