Coronavirus Update: Inconsistent testing in Sindh

By Mukhtar Alam
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Sindh witnessed a rise of eight percent in its daily COVID-19 infection rate on June 28 when the authorities in the government confirmed 2,179 new cases during the last 24 hours, with 26 new related deaths, pushing the overall fatalities to 1,269 for the province.

The daily infection rate remained 16% on June 27. Earlier, the rate was registered 21% on June 18, which dropped to 15% on June 22 before another rise up to 24% on June 23 and then went down to 19% on June 24.

Keen observers attributed the highs and lows to the health authorities’ inconsistency in daily testing activities.

There has been a need to significantly step up the COVID-19 testing to achieve a stable data leading to determination of districts and areas, turning safe from the virus point of view.

The official data suggested that the designated laboratories across the Sindh conducted an average of 7,883 tests every day during the period from June 22 to 27, against a cumulative capacity of testing 13,150 samples daily.

In the meantime, it was learnt that the authorities concerned have reduced the sanctioned daily testing capacity of a few laboratories. As such, the maximum combined testing capacity of 21 laboratories stood at 9,150, against 13,150 of the preceding week.

The Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, in his daily statement on coronavirus status, disclosed that 26 people lost their lives to the disease during the last 24 hours ending at 9 am on June 28 across the province.

However, the health department failed to give any details regarding the deaths, which didn’t make it possible to know the name of cities and hospitals where the patients lost their lives and what were their ages.

Such details were released last time by the Sindh Health department on June 22, according to which 921 COVID-19 patients died at Karachi, followed by Hyderabad (40), Larkana (22), Sukkur (17), Shikarpur (11) and other districts.

According to the Sindh health department’s website, Sindh in all registered 80,486 coronavirus infections, out of which 1,311 expired till the evening of June 28.

As per a country status report, 38 patients who lost their lives on June 27 belonged to Karachi (32), Hyderabad (2), Larkana (1), Naushero Feroze (1), Sujawal (1) and Sukkur (1). Of the deceased persons, 30 died off ventilators, including 16 who died at home.

According to the Chief Minister’s statement, Karachi reported the maximum 1,406 new cases on June 28, followed by Sukkur (86), Hyderabad (54), Ghotki (40), Khairpur (38), Jamshoro (26), Mirpurkhas (22), Thatta (19), Larkana (17), Umerkot (8), Dadu (7), Tando Allahyar (3), Badin (3), Kambar Shadadkot (3), and Jacobabad (1).

The statement further said that as many as 34,654 COVID-19 patients were under treatment across the province, out of which 88 were in isolation centres, while 1,456 including 655 critically sick were at various hospitals, in addition to 33,110 patients kept in home-isolation.

According to official sources, 23 intensive care beds were vacant at the various hospitals, in addition to 446 high dependency beds, at Karachi on June 28.

Another source added that, in Sindh, 21 healthcare providers lost their lives due to COVID-19 so far, 802 recovered from the diseases, 35 were in stable condition in different hospitals, while 513 were kept in isolation at homes or other places.

Dr. Zeelaf Munir Calls for Supply Chain Reforms to Strengthen Pakistan’s Food Security at Breathe Pakistan 2026

Karachi: At the recently held Breathe Pakistan 2026 conference, where EBM participated as the principal partner, the company’s Managing Director and CEO Dr. Zeelaf Munir emphasized the urgent need to rebuild Pakistan’s agricultural supply chain to ensure long-term food security and sustainable development. Addressing participants at the event, Dr. Zeelaf Munir stated that while initiatives such as improved seeds, affordable credit facilities, and crop insurance are important, they alone cannot transform the lives of smallholder farmers unless the supply chain that follows agricultural production is fundamentally restructured. She highlighted that Pakistan’s food security is being “made or lost” within the post-farm supply chain, stressing that inefficiencies in storage, transportation, distribution, and market access continue to limit the benefits reaching farmers and consumers alike. Dr. Munir further noted that the transformation required in Pakistan’s agri-food sector must ...

Constitution, Justice and Public Trust Essential for National Unity: Speakers

Bazm-e-Mukalma Pakistan organized the 39th Professor Karrar Hussain Memorial Lecture with a question-and-answer session at Rabat Hall, Bahadurabad, on “Lack of National Unity: Causes and Remedies.” Speakers and senior analysts Syed Muzafar Ejaz and Mazhar Abbas said national unity could not be achieved through slogans alone, but required justice, equality, constitutional supremacy, democratic continuity and public trust. They highlighted religious, linguistic, provincial and class-based divisions as major challenges to national cohesion. Mazhar Abbas stressed the importance of institutions working within their constitutional limits, freedom of the press and respect for the people’s right to choose their representatives. The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session on national identity, constitutional supremacy, the political system, provincial grievances and the role of state institutions.

KDSP: Empowering Individuals with Down Syndrome in Karachi

The Karachi Down Syndrome Program (KDSP), a beacon of hope and support, is making significant strides in empowering individuals with Down syndrome in the city. Founded in March 2014 by a group of passionate parents and individuals, KDSP addresses the critical need for comprehensive resources and platforms for those with Down syndrome in Karachi. Bridging the Gap: A Mission of Advocacy and Inclusion KDSP operates as a non-profit organization with a clear mission: to advocate for the value, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome. Recognizing the limited support and resources available locally, KDSP was established to provide a nurturing environment where individuals with Down syndrome can lead independent and fulfilling lives. A Lifelong Journey of Support Understanding the unique needs of individuals with Down syndrome and their families, KDSP offers unwavering support from the moment a family receives a diagnosis. They embark on a journey with each family, pro...

Shehri TV – Pakistan News, Current Affairs, Entertainment

Search This Blog