The Punjab Health Department has issued instructions to all Executive District Officers (EDOs) (H) in Punjab, principals of autonomous medical institutions and Medical Superintendents of teaching, District Headquarters (DHQ) as well as Tehsil Headquarter (THQ) hospitals to ensure round-the-clock treatment facilities for the participants of processions and Majalis-e-Aza during Aashura.
Written instructions were issued from the Health secretary’s office to all concerned quarters, in which they were directed under the emergency crisis management plan to reserve a sufficient number of beds, while ensuring a stock of life-saving drugs and blood bags, besides medical equipment. It was also directed that ambulances be kept in readiness in all hospitals to cope with any emergency situation.
Health EDOs of all districts were directed to closely coordinate with District Administration, including District Coordination Officers (DCO) and District Police Officers (DPO), and to finalise arrangements according to a medical cover plan for the provision of timely medical assistance to the participants of Muharram processions. Health department officials were directed to prepare duty rosters of all doctors and medical staff, to be sent to the Health Department by November 30.
