Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday mandated a comprehensive overhaul of the monkeypox screening system across Pakistan’s airports, seaports, and land borders following a recent confirmation of the virus in the country.
The directive, issued during a high-level meeting at the Prime Minister’s House, aims to bolster the nation’s preparedness against the disease, which has been declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The huddle chaired by PM Sharif focused on the current state of monkeypox in Pakistan and reviewed previous preparations to tackle the outbreak.
During the briefing, officials reported that a resident of Mardan district, who had recently returned from abroad, tested positive for monkeypox. The individual is currently in quarantine, and authorities have assured that the patient's condition is stable and under control.
Read here: Pakistan confirms first monkeypox case of 2024
PM Sharif emphasised the urgent need for effective screening at all entry points into the country. He directed the Border Health Services to implement stringent surveillance measures and ensure the availability of all necessary equipment and testing kits.
The National Command and Operations Center (NCOC) has been tasked with continuous monitoring and conducting timely reviews of the situation. Additionally, Sharif has announced plans for weekly briefings to update the public and stakeholders on the progress and response efforts.
In light of the WHO’s designation of monkeypox as a public health emergency, the premier also called for a nationwide awareness campaign. This initiative aims to educate the public about the disease and its prevention.
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The campaign will be supported by various federal and provincial agencies, including the Civil Aviation Authority, which will oversee the monitoring of international flights for potential cases.
The meeting was informed that no local transmission of monkeypox has been detected so far.
However, proactive measures are being taken by the federal and provincial governments, as well as the administrations of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Isolation wards and hospital beds have been designated for potential cases across major healthcare facilities.
Present at the meeting were Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmed, Prime Minister’s Coordinator for National Health, Federal Secretary of National Health Nadeem Mehboob, Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority Lt. Gen. Inam Haider Malik, and Chief Secretaries from all provinces, along with senior officials from the Islamabad Capital Territory.
Punjab Health Department instructions
The Punjab Health Department has issued additional directives to airport authorities across the province, including the establishment of isolation rooms. In collaboration with health officials, the airport management has developed protocols for quarantining and managing suspected mpox patients.
According to health department guidelines, aviation will be alerted if the symptoms of monkeypox are identified in a passenger, and those exhibiting temperatures above 97°F will be quarantined. The patient will then be handed over to Border Health Management for further screening.
Airline crews have been instructed to separate suspected patients from other passengers while still on board, allowing them to disembark at the end. Rescue 1122 services will transfer suspected cases to designated hospitals, where patients will remain in isolation until test results confirm the diagnosis.
Airport staff will also operate thermal scanners around the clock in three shifts. Plans for personal protective equipment (PPE) provision and PCR testing facilities for airport staff are in the works, ensuring heightened protection for personnel.
Punjab designates 6 hospitals
Meanwhile, Punjab’s health department has allocated six hospitals across the province to handle suspected monkeypox patients. In Lahore, General Hospital has been designated for treatment, while other hospitals include Benazir Bhutto Hospital in Rawalpindi, Allied Hospital in Faisalabad, Allama Iqbal Hospital in Sialkot, and Nishtar Hospital in Multan. Bahawal Victoria Hospital has set up an isolation ward for Bahawalpur patients.
Suspected patients coming from abroad will be transferred to these hospitals that have been directed to set up quarantine wards for monkeypox patients.
Karachi airport on alert
In Karachi, the Sindh Health Department has implemented similar arrangements. According to Dr. Zafar Mehdi, spokesperson for the Karachi airport health team, two Rescue 1122 ambulances have been stationed at the airport, and complete medical check-ups of incoming passengers are being conducted.
“Tests will be conducted on any passengers showing symptoms, and they will be isolated in government hospitals until test results are received,” he said.
Monkeypox transmission
Addressing the situation at a press conference, Prime Minister’s Coordinator for National Health, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, clarified the origins and transmission risks associated with monkeypox. "This virus first appeared in Africa in 1974 and is primarily found in animals but has now infected humans. To date, Pakistan has reported only one case of mpox,” Dr. Mukhtar said.
He explained that the virus spreads through respiratory droplets, often infecting those in close proximity to the patient. Although the virus is not as dangerous as COVID-19, Dr. Mukhtar stressed the importance of immediately isolating patients and taking timely preventive measures.
“All passengers arriving from abroad are being screened, and their families should take necessary precautions,” he urged.
As the nation braces for potential mpox cases, health officials are urging citizens to remain cautious while reiterating that the situation remains under control, with all necessary measures in place to prevent an outbreak.
