24/7 Emergency Services Activated at 36-Bed Dumba Goth and Murad Memon Hospitals; Rescue 1122 on High Alert, Dr. Azra Pechuho
Karachi (27 October) Following reports of deaths caused by cholera and acute diarrhea in Faiz Muhammad Barfat village, Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho directed the Health Department to take immediate action, resulting in the establishment of a medical camp in the affected area.
Under the minister’s instructions, the District Health Officers (DHOs) of Jamshoro and Malir have been placed on high alert, with health teams from both districts actively working on-site. Dr. Pechuho stated that while the affected area falls under District Jamshoro, its proximity to the Malir border necessitated joint operations by both districts’ health teams.
A medical camp has been operational in the village for the past week, providing on-site treatment to residents. Mobile hospital vans have also been deployed to conduct basic laboratory tests and provide primary medical support. Additionally, Rescue 1122 ambulance services have been put on high alert to ensure the immediate transfer of patients to nearby hospitals.
The 36-bed Dumba Goth Hospital and Sindh Government Murad Memon Hospital have been placed under 24/7 emergency alert, with medical staff instructed to remain on standby to handle any influx of patients.
Dr. Azra Pechuho explained that, according to preliminary reports, the outbreak originated 7–10 days ago following a funeral, where contaminated underground water and unhygienic food were consumed. Several residents, including women and children, fell ill after ingesting the contaminated water and food.
Health teams have collected water samples from the affected area and sent them to the laboratory for testing, with results currently awaited. Initial findings indicate that the outbreak was caused by bacterial contamination and unsafe drinking water.
The health minister emphasized that Health Education Teams are also active in the area, conducting awareness sessions for residents. These sessions are focused on promoting hygiene practices such as drinking boiled or clean water, washing hands frequently, and keeping food items properly covered.
Dr. Pechuho reaffirmed that the Sindh Health Department is fully mobilized to provide all possible medical assistance to the residents of the affected area. She added that the Sindh government remains committed to protecting public health and has instructed all relevant departments to closely monitor the situation to prevent any further emergencies.