Karachi’s hospitals have been hard hit by the
second wave of the novel coronavirus. Several hospitals are reporting higher positivity rates
compared to the first wave. The case positivity has risen to 8% at some
institutions. In the past 24 hours Pakistan reported 67 deaths, its highest
death toll since the second wave of the coronavirus began. Sindh reported 27
deaths and 1,292 new cases; of which 989 were from Karachi. Coronavirus cases
are rising, experts warn. In October, the case positivity in the city was 2%. Indus
Hospital CEO Dr. Abdul Bari said cases are increasing day by day. Now 7% to 8%
cases are being reported at their hospital, he said; adding that the load is
increasing. Testing has increased but the capacity remains the same; which
means results are coming back slower. The head of the Dow Lab; Dr. Saeed Khan;
said they get samples from DHOs late. There are more patients; so the report
system has slowed down; he said. He also said the DHO offices often make errors
when entering sample data. Doctors have warned that the second wave of COVID-19
is more dangerous than the first. Earlier, several Karachi hospitals reported
that they were filling up as cases rose. A number of hospitals in Karachi
have stopped admitting coronavirus patients because they have run out space. These
hospitals include Dow University Hospital (OJHA Campus) and Indus Hospital. The
Sindh health department maintains a spreadsheet of the available beds at
private and public hospitals in the province.
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