KARACHI: On the directives of Sindh Minister for Health and Population Welfare Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, the Director General Health Dr Masood Ahmed Solangi Sunday issued precautions for expected heat-wave in Karachi.

He asked Director Health Services Karachi and all DHOs of Karachi division to implement 24/7 emergency in all hospitals and health facilities and not to allow any leave to medical and paramedical staff from 1st May to 3rd May.

He said that medical and paramedical staff should be increased, where it is needed most. DG Health also directed officials to establish special wards with availability of air conditioning, ice, generators, water supply and necessary medicines as well to handle any emergency if it happened.

He further asked them to ensure  provision of well equipped ambulance service and conduct health awareness campaign to create awareness on the issue. “It is a matter of human lives, so special care must be taken in this regard and no lethargic attitude will be tolerated in this regard," he warned.