The Lahore General Hospital (LGH) administration has announced a state of high alert during the first ten days of Muharram-ul-Haram, especially focusing on Ashura-related medical emergencies.
Principal Amiruddin Medical College and LGH, Prof. Dr. Farooq Afzal, issued the directives on Sunday, urging all hospital staff—particularly those in the Emergency Department—to remain vigilant and available for duty. He emphasized that the Day of Ashura imparts a profound lesson of patience and sacrifice, and healthcare professionals must acknowledge their critical responsibilities during this sacred period. He stated that no staff member from the Emergency Department would be allowed to take leave without prior approval from the Medical Superintendent until July 7. Moreover, additional medical staff will be deployed on the 9th and 10th of Muharram to handle the expected surge in patients.
The Principal also instructed hospital management to allocate separate beds for mourners injured during self-flagellation rituals (Zanjeerzani), ensuring that treatment for regular patients remains unaffected. Special arrangements are being made to provide immediate medical assistance to all incoming patients. Directives have also been issued to the AMS Pharmacy to ensure an ample stock of life-saving medicines is available in the Emergency Department. The blood bank in-charge has been asked to maintain a sufficient supply of blood of all groups until the Day of Ashura.
Due to outdoor closure on July 5 and 6, the respective staff will be reassigned to emergency services to meet increased demand. Medical Superintendent Prof. Faryad Hussain affirmed that, as in previous years, LGH is fully prepared to handle any emergency on Ashura. He assured that high-quality medical services will be provided, particularly to pilgrims and mourners. The hospital’s security personnel have also been instructed to remain especially alert during this period. Furthermore, the Works Department has been directed to ensure the hospital’s generators remain operational at all times.
