CHINA made 1000-bed hospitals for coronavirus-infected people in record time. My feeling is we can also make makeshift hospitals but with other methods more quickly.
We have a fine, professional army which can manage this. Then we have several NGOs which can help in this regard. Besides, we are a philanthropist society. We have experienced people to deal with disaster management. Philanthropy is available when we needed.
Let us make emergency tent hospitals for 5,000 persons in open areas just outside cities and near the country’s entry points. This can be done in less than a month.
The problem is still manageable. The current situation is not as grave as a huge earthquake, which we have been through so many times. We are used to looking after refugees and displaced people for the last several decades as a nation. Only a decision by the prime minister will be required in this connection.
I believe we know that the virus affects the respiratory tract which starts fibrosis of lungs. So, why not advise the nation that those areas and people which are at greater risk should start using such foods and herbal items which may help them strengthen their bodies’ immune system before the virus attacks their lungs.
All kinds of professional doctors, Ayurvedists and homeopaths should be working on it to advise people in advance. This may not be easy for such a huge population, but everyone can help anyone.
Mohammed Nusrat Saeed
Sharjah
(2)
THE news about coronavirus outbreak is an alarming situation for students studying at University of Karachi as a person who is infected with the virus is suspected to be our university student.
After getting infected, he went to the university and interacted with other students. The authorities must investigate about this. They must also issue precautionary measures for others who have interacted with him.
Moreover, coronavirus tests of all Karachi University students should be conducted to make sure that our youth are safe and not infected by the virus.
Marium Fatima
Karachi
(3)
THERE seems to be panic in the country after the news of two coronavirus cases has been officially confirmed.
To make matters worse, pharmacy owners have increased the price of masks to mint as much money as they can.
The government should crackdown against such profiteers the way it had launched a campaign against people who stocked sugar and were involved in profiteering.
Zuhaib Hussain
Sukkur
Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2020