JPMC faces acute shortage of beds and ventilators, putting patients at risk

Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) struggles with shortage of beds and ventilators

KARACHI: The Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Sindh’s largest government-run hospital, is currently facing a severe shortage of beds and ventilators, exacerbating the difficulties for patients and their families. Hospital sources confirm that several ventilators at JPMC are non-functional, further intensifying the challenges for patients requiring critical care.

Ventilator shortage across ICUs

According to reports, in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU), only 12 out of 24 ventilators are operational. Similarly, the Clinical ICU is functioning with just 8 of its 15 ventilators, and the Medical ICU has only 10 ventilators in working condition. The Neuro-Trauma Unit, vital for treating critical patients, has just 6 functional ventilators. With a growing influx of patients, this shortage is putting immense strain on the hospital’s ability to provide life-saving treatment.

Patients forced to seek private care

Due to the lack of available beds and ventilators, many patients are struggling to secure admission at JPMC. Reports from patients’ attendants suggest they are constantly moved from one ward to another in search of available beds, but many times, their efforts are in vain. In some cases, patients are reportedly being referred to private hospitals due to the unavailability of beds.

JPMC officials’ response

JPMC officials maintain that the hospital has a total capacity of 2,200 beds, but it is currently overwhelmed by a shortage of medical staff. A spokesperson for JPMC emphasized that over 40 ventilators across various ICUs are functioning, but acknowledged the hospital’s significant pressure due to high patient loads and insufficient medical personnel. The spokesperson also mentioned that JPMC receives patients from across Pakistan, which further exacerbates the hospital’s capacity issues.

Urgent need for resources

The situation at JPMC highlights the pressing need for increased resources, including ventilators, beds, and medical staff. As the hospital continues to face overwhelming demand, it is crucial for the Sindh Health Department and relevant authorities to step in and address the current gaps in healthcare infrastructure. Immediate action is needed to ensure that patients receive timely and appropriate care, particularly in critical conditions.

A call for action

The shortage of essential healthcare equipment and staff is a major concern for public health in Sindh. Efforts must be made to ensure that hospitals like JPMC are adequately equipped to handle the growing healthcare demands of the region. In the meantime, the situation calls for urgent measures to address the gaps and provide better healthcare services to the public.

Stay informed and protect your health!

CLICK HERE TO JOIN Medical News Pakistan on WhatsApp for expert tips, health updates, and the latest medical research straight to your phone.