KARACHI: The Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) has expressed deep concerns over rising number of viral and epidemic diseases in the metropolis and other cities of the province and asked Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to take steps to enhance the capacity of the emergency departments of public sector hospitals.

In a letter to the CM, KCCI President Jawed Bilwani said that a survey, recently conducted by the chamber, revealed that the emergency departments of “all hospitals” were currently unable to accommodate more patients due to a high influx of patients suffering from chikungunya, dengue and other viral infections.

“It is crucial to understand that Sindh is currently facing a dire situation due to an increase in epidemic diseases. Therefore, any negligence towards this serious issue may result in the loss of precious lives,” he stated.

Mr Bilwani hoped that the CM would take notice of the serious situation and issue necessary instructions to the health department so that it could ask all hospitals to double the capacity of their emergency departments.