No Testing Facility Available for Monkeypox in Pakistan - Health Ministry
by Hamna Bano
SHARES
With the increased suspension of new Monkeypox cases in Pakistan, the Health Ministry has informed about the unavailability of diagnostic facilities for testing the virus in the country.
The officials gave the statement that, "the government is trying to procure testing kits for the National Institute of Health, Islamabad (NIH). Also, the samples can be sent abroad for testing in case of an emergency."
Given the circumstances the experts have suggested that the only way to suspect a case right now is through examination of the symptoms. It has also been observed that the renowned labs like Agha Khan and other health organizations are keenly looking into procuring testing kits.
It was further added by the experts that, "the monkeypox virus is tested through a PCR machine similar to the diagnostic tests for COVID-19." Meanwhile the health ministry has claimed that there are no suspected cases of Monkeypox reported in Pakistan as of now.
A statement has also been released by the National Institute of Health (NIH) denying the reports of suspected cases of Monkeypox. The news of 2 Monkeypox cases have been labeled as 'false and incorrect' by the NIH.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Islamabad clarifies that NO case of Monkeypox, has yet been diagnosed in Pakistan. The news circulating on social media about monkeypox cases is incorrect.
The situation is being closely monitored by the health authorities.#monkeypox
— NIH Pakistan (@NIH_Pakistan) May 24, 2022
According to the statement, "The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Islamabad clarifies that NO case of Monkeypox has yet been diagnosed in Pakistan. The news circulating on social media about monkeypox cases is incorrect. The situation is being closely monitored by the health authorities."
As of now, it is too early to say if the two suspected patients might be suffering from monkeypox. The health ministry however along with other health institutes is working day and night to get the testing kits for the particular virus.
