Transport and OPD closure accentuate patients’ concerns in Karachi

KARACHI: The closure of hospital OPDs and transport services since the past 24 days in Karachi has added to the worries of patients suffering from severe diseases in the city.

Thousands of people in Karachi are facing hardships as they are unable to get lifesaving drugs or schedule their routine checkups for the past four weeks due to the lockdown situation.

Although the Sindh government has already announced the opening of the OPDs in public sector hospitals, people are still facing problems to reach the hospitals due to the shortage of public transport in the city.

Currently, a huge rush is being witnessed in all major hospital emergencies, while the attendance of patients in the OPDs is very low as compared to the normal routine.

The suspension of the OPD services is creating a grave inconvenience for patients living with severe health problems as they are unable to get their routine checkups done. Doctors are also working under pressure as telephonic consultations on the phone are very risky, as a wrong diagnosis could land them in trouble.

Medical Superintendent, Civil Hospital Karachi, Dr Khadim Hussain Qureshi, said that the major OPDs have been open for the public to reduce the suffering of the poor patients; however, their attendance is low due to the lack of public transport.

-MN Report