SHCC directs private hospitals to prepare for impending flood emergency

Sindh Healthcare Commission issues alert to private hospitals amid impending flood situation

KARACHI: The Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) has issued an urgent alert to all private hospitals and healthcare facilities across the province, directing them to take immediate preventive and preparedness measures in anticipation of the impending flood situation.

In its official circular, SHCC emphasized that private healthcare institutions must play an active role in safeguarding public health during flood-related emergencies. The commission urged hospitals to ensure comprehensive disaster response strategies to manage the potential surge in patients, protect facilities from damage, and reduce the risk of disease outbreaks.

Key preparedness measures for private hospitals

Under the advisory, private hospitals have been directed to:

• Revisit and update their institutional disaster preparedness and response plans.
• Safeguard critical areas such as emergency rooms (ERs), intensive care units (ICUs), and operation theatres (OTs) against floodwater.
• Arrange reliable backup power sources, including generators, to ensure uninterrupted medical services in essential care areas.
• Reserve beds in advance for flood-affected patients and establish triage systems to optimize patient flow.
• Deploy adequate human resources for both routine duties and flood-response operations.
• Ensure systems are in place for the safe and immediate transfer of patients if required.

Public health surveillance and coordination

In addition to emergency care, hospitals have been instructed to maintain active surveillance for possible outbreaks of waterborne and vector-borne diseases, such as cholera, typhoid, malaria, and dengue. The SHCC advised healthcare institutions to closely coordinate with district health authorities for timely reporting and response to any suspected cases.

Ensuring continuity of healthcare services

The SHCC further emphasized that private hospitals must remain fully operational 24/7 during the flood situation, with adequate staff, essential medications, and medical supplies available at all times. By ensuring a structured command system and defined responsibilities, hospitals can enhance resilience and minimize disruptions to healthcare delivery.

The commission’s advisory highlights the critical role of the private healthcare sector in supporting provincial disaster management efforts, protecting patient lives, and reducing the overall burden on public sector facilities.

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