Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences (Oct 2023)

Pakistan's healthcare preparedness after the NIH warned of a new diphtheria strain and Covid-19 variation

  • Muhammad Muzzamil, MSPH,
  • Simra Naz, MSCP,
  • Hassan Mumtaz, MSPH,
  • Wajiha Omair, FCPS

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 18, no. 5
pp. 1055 – 1057

Abstract

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Objective: In this paper, we examine the current crisis of regarding preparedness of healthcare industries in Pakistan, analyzing the causes, effects, and potential recommendations to this problem. Methods: Highlighting the efforts and issues surrounding this topic is necessary for developing and implementing research-based solutions that accurately reflect the current state of the healthcare industry. This short overview is prepared in accordance with accepted practices in published studies around the world. Our findings were based on a search of the literature databases PubMed, Google Scholar, Journals Online, and the Internet Library. Results: Searching for ''Healthcare Preparedness in Pakistan'' yielded the expected results. Particularly of interest to the researchers was the question of why, despite efforts to boost vaccination rates and emergency immunization response capacities in the event of epidemics, progress on SDG3 immunization indicators has been minimal. Immunization is critically important because vaccine-preventable diseases pose a significant risk to the general population. Pakistan's authorities and government should take deliberate action to increase immunization rates. Conclusion: Particularly disadvantaged countries and regions are hit the worst by climate change. Pakistan continues to be hit hard by diseases like acute watery diarrhea, dengue fever, malaria, and COVID-19 are on the rise as a result of the flooding, especially in shelters and areas where water and sanitation systems have been affected. After devastating floods in KP, Sindh, and Punjab, over 70 suspected cases of diphtheria were reported. Diphtheria epidemics illustrate the precarious position of flood victims. It would be catastrophic if the newly found diphtheria strain or the covid-19 variation reached the underserved flood victims. Immunization protects against life-threatening illnesses so its government responsibility to improve immunization rates in Pakistan.

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