KARACHI: The Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) has witnessed increase in Covid-19 infection in dialysis, transplant and cancer patients at the hospital, said the spokesperson on Thursday.
“Due to the spread in the community last week, 55 additional patients of dialysis, transplant and cancer have been admitted in SIUT overwhelming our capacity,” maintained SIUT in a statement.
These patients are immune-suppressed and therefore more susceptible to coronavirus, explained the spokesperson, adding that with the admission of 55 new patients last week, the hospital’s capacity had been overwhelmed.
SIUT treats over 16000 patients whose immunity is compromised because of the disease or treatment, including, over 6,000 registered dialysis patients who visit twice or thrice a week.
He stated that currently, SIUT was providing treatment to 41 dialysis patients with coronavirus, with at least two new patients being diagnosed each day. Meanwhile, around 22 Covid-19-positive transplant patients are being treated vigorously, including high regimen immunosuppression.
Taking this situation into account, the SIUT has marshaled its team to provide urgent treatment for this special group, which requires prolonged intensive care, he stated.
The spokesperson hailed the fact that Covid-19 treatment facilities had been set up in more hospitals. “Presently, 10 centres have been established in Karachi for the treatment of Covid-19 patients, with ventilator support,” he said. “This will help SIUT concentrate on the select group of coronavirus patients on dialysis, with transplants or with cancer, who require specialised treatment due to their immunocompromised status, more effectively.”
