New Covid Variants Are Threatened By Staff Shortages

(CTN News) – Several suspected cases of Covid JN-1 have been reported in Sindh, prompting the provincial health department to assess its preparedness for possible spread of the highly contiguous disease.

Due to a shortage of staff in health centers, the health department may be unable to handle the spread of the new Covid variant.

Karachi airport has conducted diagnostic tests on suspected passengers after the JN-1 Covid variant was discovered in Pakistan’s neighboring countries. Over the past few days, six suspected passengers have been tested at the airport, and two have tested positive.

The first confirmed case originated in Bangkok, and the second originated in Abu Dhabi. A 26-year-old from Kech, Balochistan, and a 53-year-old from Sanghar, residing in Qasimabad, Hyderabad, have been quarantined at home. PCR tests have also returned positive results for two Sharjah passengers and three Jeddah passengers.

An arriving passenger from Jeddah, 60, tested negative. Sindh Health Department has issued an advisory to prevent the spread of the JN-1 Covid variant.

However, a lack of staff in government-run hospitals has hindered efforts to contain the virus’ spread. The health centers lack vaccines as well.

The JPMC currently has approximately 2,500 vacancies, including those for doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, technical staff, and special staff.

At the Civil Hospital, 1,391 posts are vacant from Grade 1 to Grade 20. There are approximately 70 to 80 vacancies for doctors at the Sindh Government Hospital in Saudabad, and around 100 vacancies for nurses, paramedics, IT staff, sanitary workers, and ambulance drivers.

Professor Shahid Rasool, the head of JPMC, expressed concern regarding the potential spread of the new Covid variant in Pakistan. Since no recruitment has taken place in 12 years, his hospital has been unable to combat the virus due to a lack of essential staff.

Observing that the hiring of 300 additional staffers could significantly improve the situation, he urged the authorities to grant permission for the recruitment of essential personnel.

In accordance with the health department, the new Covid variant exhibits symptoms such as colds, coughs, and headaches the health department, the new variant exhibits symptoms such as colds, coughs, and headaches

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