KARACHI - Death toll because of scorching heatwave in the Southern part of Pakistan over the last few days has climbed to 1,659, out of which 1219 deaths are reported from various private and government hospitals of Karachi whereas 10 deaths are reported from other parts of Sindh.
The rest of persons were those who were unable to reach the hospitals. Though the temperature has decreased a bit as compared to last few days but still 14 more people died due to heatstroke in various hospitals of Karachi.
On Monday, another seven patients at Jinnah Hospital Karachi, three at Sindh Government Hospital Korangi, two at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, one at New Karachi Government Hospital and Civil Hospital Karachi died of heatstroke. The rate of deaths due to heatstroke is decreased as the weather has turned pleasant a bit from the last four days. In Karachi, the temperature topples to 36-38 degree Celsius after hitting 45 degree Celsius at the peak of the heat wave last week.
The majority of the deaths in Karachi have been among the elderly, the poor and labourers who work outdoors. According to Sindh Health Minister Jam Mehtab Hussain Dahar, 35 percent of the Karachi heatstroke victims were women.
During the last few days, 362 bodies have been brought to the Jinnah Hospital, 170 to Civil, 190 to Abbasi Shaheed, 30 to KMC hospitals, 20 to Sindh Government Hospital New Karachi, 25 to Korangi General Hospital, 39 to Indus, 55 to three branches of Ziauddin, 68 to Liaqat National, 39 to Qatar Hospital, 30 to Aga Khan, 23 to Memon Medical and 40 to Patel Hospital.
According to health officials, inconsistent power supply from K-electric is the key-factor behind the enormous life loss. Power outage has become the matter of public ire which has worsened the situation has created a tumultuous situation in the city. Hospitals are facing loadshedding problem for several hours and because of which hospital staff are facing hurdles in serving the patients.
On the other hand, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif postponed his visit to the city for two days due to some official engagements. He will now visit Karachi on Wednesday.
SYMPTOMS OF HEAT STROKE
Dr Qaiser Sajjad, secretary Pakistan Medical Association Karachi described the symptoms of heatstroke. According to him, heatstroke patient will face headache, high grade fever, dry skin (no sweating), dizziness, nausea, confusion, disorientation, shock and later he/she might died if they are not provided with proper treatment.
Meanwhile, the University of Karachi is facing ‘unprecedented loadshedding’ for the past few days.
A university statement on Monday said due to unannounced power outage, all the official work in the administrative offices has suffered.
The research works in the labs in faculties of Pharmacy, Science and Social Sciences is also being affected. The chemicals used in the laboratories also affected as a result. The statement said that the University administration has expressed grave concern over long power outages. The administration of K-Electric has been urged to exempt Karachi University again from the loadshedding.