Congo virus in Lahore

The first case throws harsh light on government’s failure

The mention of the country’s most prosperous province does not bring to mind images of failing healthcare facilities or lack of resources. And yet, tragically, that is exactly the case. As Lahore reels from the confirmation of its first case of Congo Virus, the case throws the spotlight on worse problems lying underneath the surface in PML-N’s home town.

Prior to Eid ul Azha, many were alarmed by the thought of an epidemic of the tick borne disease breaking out due to the condition of livestock. Those professionally involved in the breeding and trade of these were obviously at the most risk since they had the most chance of exposure. Newspapers published letters and columns expressing concerns about an outbreak, and it would appear that those fears were not for naught. Alarming still, is that when the first case was discovered in Punjab’s provincial capital, the patient was denied admittance and access to healthcare by not one but two major hospitals – Sheikh Zaid and Jinnah hospital – due to lack of proper facilities like an isolation ward. And though Mayo Hospital took the patient in, even the administration there could do nothing more than seal off a private ward – which, despite best efforts, an isolation chamber does not make – leaving the city vulnerable to the chance of an epidemic.

With so much of the population being uneducated and living below the poverty line, it is simply surprising that the government has not yet made the development and access of healthcare facilities and awareness programs regarding developing diseases a bigger priority. High profile projects look good on one’s resume and make great promotional material during election season, but not securing the lives of the population (most of whom cannot afford to opt for treatment abroad) is a failure of epic proportions – one that the government would be advised to rectify as soon as possible.