WE have lost a young doctor — Dr Osama Riaz-- who was attending to patients suffering from Covid-19. On behalf of Pakistan Paediatric Association, I salute the doctor for dedicating his life to the service of others. However, at the same time I am sad.

This young doctor’s life could have been saved had we prepared ourselves at the diagnosis of the first case by making sure that we have enough personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers.

For more than a fortnight now healthcare workers complained via the media and social media about the non-availability of PPE even as isolation wards and quarantine facilities were being set-up all over the country.

The PPE should have been available even before the first coronavirus case was handled. There was ample warning since we had received news from neighbouring Iran of several cases of medical care staff falling victim to the disease and many deaths.

I feel healthcare workers shouldn’t have to face this dilemma. They should be first priority for protective gear so they continue to fulfill their responsibility with dedication.

Dr Mumtaz Lakhani Sec. Gen PPA Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2020