Muharram-ul-Haram Teaches Patience, Forbearance and Sacrifice: Principal AMC

LGH Administration, Healthcare Professionals Directed to Remain on High Alert Till Ashura

By Farzana Chaudhry, Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE, June 23: Principal Amiruddin Medical College (AMC) and Postgraduate Medical Institute (PGMI), Prof. Dr. Farooq Afzal, has said that Muharram-ul-Haram, particularly Yaum-e-Ashur, teaches the values of patience, forbearance and sacrifice, adding that healthcare professionals must fulfill their responsibilities with dedication during this sacred period.

Chairing a meeting to review arrangements for Muharram, Prof. Dr. Farooq Afzal directed the administration, medical staff and Emergency Department of Lahore General Hospital (LGH) to remain on high alert until Ashura and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services for patients and mourners.

He announced that no employee of the Emergency Department would be granted leave without the permission of the Medical Superintendent (MS) until June 27. Additional doctors, nurses and paramedical staff will also be deployed in the Accident and Emergency Department on the 9th and 10th of Muharram to effectively manage any emergency situation.

The Principal instructed the hospital administration to allocate separate beds for individuals injured during Zanjeer Zani (self-flagellation) so that treatment of other patients continues smoothly without disruption. He also directed the AMS Pharmacy to maintain an adequate stock of life-saving medicines in the Emergency Department and ordered the Blood Bank to ensure sufficient availability of all blood groups through Ashura.

Prof. Dr. Farooq Afzal further announced that the Outpatient Department (OPD) will remain closed on June 25 and 26, while OPD staff will be assigned duties in the Emergency Department to strengthen emergency medical services during Muharram.

Medical Superintendent Lahore General Hospital, Prof. Dr. Faryad Hussain, said that all necessary arrangements for the 10th of Muharram have been finalized in accordance with the hospital’s annual contingency plan. He assured that the best possible medical facilities will be provided to mourners and visitors during the observance of Ashura.

He directed the hospital’s security personnel to remain extra vigilant, instructed the Works Department to ensure uninterrupted operation of generators, and ordered technical staff to remain available in all three shifts. He also warned that strict departmental action would be taken against any employee found absent from duty during the Muharram period.

The hospital administration reiterated its commitment to providing prompt and efficient healthcare services while ensuring preparedness for any emergency during Muharram-ul-Haram.