[DAWN] PESHAWAR: Public and private hospitals have reserved beds and ambulances after government’s directives to stand alert for ’national cause’, a reference to the tension with neighbouring India.On February 22, health department ordered hospitals to reserve 25 per cent beds on a special directive of government for ’national cause’. "The institutions have been directed to reserve a minimum of 60 beds and the department should be informed immediately the same day," it said.
The directive was issued day after the National Security Council held a meeting with prime minister in the chair on February 21 to examine the country’s overall security situation in view of tension with India.
Health Secretary Dr Syed Farooq Jamil told Dawn that he was not concerned if the order was issued in view of tension with India, but the hospitals were well-equipped and staffed to cope with any health emergency. "Our hospitals in immediate response have reserved beds and other services in line with the directive came from the centre," he added.