Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC): What Clinics and Hospitals Need to Know The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) is the regulatory authority responsible for improving healthcare quality, safety, and governance across Punjab. Whether you run a clinic, diagnostic center, or hospital, PHC compliance is not optional it is a legal requirement for registration, licensing, and ongoing operations. This guide breaks down PHC compliance in simple, practical language. It explains how Instacare’s compliance-ready healthcare management software helps clinics and hospitals stay fully aligned with PHC’s Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS), documentation rules, and inspection workflows. Why PHC Matters for Every Healthcare Establishment PHC was created to: License and register all healthcare establishments (HCEs) Implement Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS) Conduct inspections and enforce corrective actions Protect patient safety and improve service quality Non-compliance can lead to: Fines Suspension of services Shutdown of the healthcare facility Legal and reputational damage For healthcare facilities, compliance is both a legal duty and a business necessity. PHC Compliance Requirements: What Clinics & Hospitals Must Implement Below are the core, actionable PHC requirements every HCE must fulfill. 1. Registration & Licensing on the PHC Portal Every clinic or hospital must register and obtain a PHC license before operations. PHC requires: Ownership documents CNICs Staff roster Staff qualifications + council registrations Floor plan + facility layout Equipment list Fee receipts Applications are submitted through the PHC e-Portal, and all documents must be kept updated for audits. 2. Implement Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS) MSDS defines the minimum acceptable standards for: General OPD clinics Specialist clinics Diagnostic labs Small, medium, and large hospitals They cover requirements like: Staff qualifications & availability Infection control and waste management Patient assessment and triage Medication safety Equipment availability Documentation Emergency readiness Recordkeeping and patient rights During inspections, PHC evaluates whether MSDS are implemented in practice not just on paper. 3. Staff Credentials, Training & Duty Rosters PHC requires: Verified qualification documents Valid registrations with PMC, PNC, or relevant councils Duty rosters (signed & dated) On-call rosters Proof of supervision for junior staff Everything must be documented and available. 4. Written SOPs for Clinical and Administrative Operations Every healthcare facility must maintain SOPs for: Infection prevention & control Waste management Medication management Patient admission & discharge Emergency response Consent and patient rights Incident reporting Medical records SOPs must be stamped, dated, staff-acknowledged, and periodically reviewed. 5. Medical Records & Patient Rights Protection PHC requires: Structured medical records Legible documentation Patient confidentiality Signed consent forms Display of patient rights charter Complaint mechanism Poor documentation is one of the top causes of PHC non-compliance. 6. Infection Control, Waste Management & Biomedical Safety Facilities must: Follow PPE and sterilization protocols Use color-coded waste segregation Keep contracts with licensed waste handlers Maintain sharps disposal SOPs Ensure environmental safety standards 7. Equipment Inventory & Maintenance Logs PHC requires: Updated equipment list Calibration logs where applicable Maintenance records Stock logs for consumables Secure medication storage Missing logs is a common reason for inspection failures. 8. Routine Self-Assessments & Inspection Readiness PHC expects: Periodic self-assessment Documentation of corrective actions Preparedness for scheduled/unannounced inspections Updated records at all times Documentation Checklist PHC Expects During Inspections License application & approval Fee receipts Ownership documents Staff qualifications & registrations Duty rosters SOPs mapped with MSDS Equipment inventory Maintenance logs Infection control plan Waste management contract Patient record samples Consent forms Complaint register Having these organized can prevent major penalties. Common PHC Compliance Mistakes (and Why Clinics Fail Inspections) Missing or outdated staff credentials No record of SOPs or staff training No equipment maintenance logs Paper-only records with no traceability Weak incident reporting Unorganized documentation These lead directly to corrective action notices or failed inspections. Book Your Free Marketing Consultation How Instacare’s PHC Compliance Software Helps Clinics & Hospitals Stay Fully Compliant PHC compliance requires documentation, process control, audit trails, and evidence. Instacare simplifies each step with digital workflows aligned to PHC requirements. 1. Centralized Licensing & Document Repository Upload and store: CNICs Degrees and council registrations Equipment certificates SOPs Waste management contracts All documents are timestamped and ready for PHC inspectors. 2. MSDS-Aligned Digital Checklists & Self-Assessments Instacare provides: MSDS-based checklists Automated reminders Non-compliance alerts Corrective action logs Perfect evidence for PHC audits. 3. Staff Credentialing & Duty Roster Management Assign staff Upload credentials Automated expiry alerts Digital duty rosters On-call schedules Inspectors can verify everything instantly. 4. SOP Library, Staff Training & Read Receipts Upload SOPs → Assign staff → Track who read and acknowledged. Fully auditable compliance trail. 5. Digital EMR & Patient Rights Compliance Structured medical records Consent forms stored digitally Patient rights charter displayed Complaint tracking system Supports PHC’s recordkeeping and patient rights requirements. 6. Incident Reporting & Corrective Action Tracking Staff submit digital incident reports Supervisors assign root-cause tasks Timeline-based closure Audit-ready logs 7. Equipment Inventory, Calibration & Maintenance Tracking Instacare maintains: Equipment list Serial numbers Maintenance logs Calibration schedules Exactly what PHC inspectors check. 8. Exportable PHC Audit Bundle Generate a ready-made: Compliance report Evidence bundle Logs and checklists Ideal for inspections or surprise audits. Practical Action Plan for Clinics & Hospitals Download MSDS for your category Digitize all staff and equipment documents Create a compliance folder (digital + physical) Use Instacare to run a self-assessment Resolve all red flags before inspections Schedule quarterly internal audits Conclusion PHC compliance is essential for legal operations, patient safety, and long-term credibility. Instacare’s compliance-ready software gives clinics and hospitals everything they need to stay aligned with MSDS, prepare for inspections, maintain complete documentation, and avoid penalties. If you want a practical, PHC-aligned approach to compliance, Instacare provides the digital tools needed to turn regulatory requirements into manageable daily workflows. FAQs 1. What is PHC and why is it important? PHC regulates all healthcare establishments in Punjab to ensure patient safety and quality care. 2. What documents are required for PHC licensing? Ownership proofs, staff credentials, equipment lists, SOPs, waste contracts, and fee receipts. 3. What is MSDS in PHC? Minimum Service Delivery Standards the standards against which clinics and hospitals are
Income Tax on Clinics in Pakistan: What You Need to Know In recent months, the Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has stepped up its enforcement against beauty and aesthetic clinics, exposing long-standing tax evasion in this high-revenue sector. Clinics generating crores in annual profit are now being formally registered, digitally tracked, and integrated into Pakistan’s tax net a move that could reshape the regulatory landscape for health, wellness, and beauty services. This article explores how income/service tax applies to clinics in Pakistan, why the PRA crackdown matters, and what clinic owners and patients should know. Why Clinics Are Under the Tax Radar Sheer Volume of Revenue According to PRA officials, many beauty clinics in Punjab (especially in big cities like Lahore) have been generating billions of rupees annually without paying appropriate taxes. In one case, PRA identified an aesthetic clinic alone with Rs 1.8 billion in annual sales that had previously flown under the radar. About 50 such “tax-evading” clinics have been detected so far. New Sectors Under Survey PRA is auditing 11 new sectors, including beauty parlors, aesthetic clinics, health clubs, and cosmetic surgery centers, signaling a broad drive to expand the tax base. Digital Monitoring via E-Invoice System These clinics will be formally registered and linked with the Electronic Invoice / Information Management System (EIMS), enabling real-time tracking of sales and tax compliance. Strengthening Enforcement To close the compliance gap, PRA is deploying more enforcement officers, creating a dedicated monitoring cell, and using digital tools to keep performance and accountability high. What Is the Applicable Tax Rate for Clinics? To understand how tax applies, it’s helpful to look at provincial tax laws and rates: According to a KPMG brief on provincial tax laws (2025), services by private-sector health care centers (including clinics) are taxed under service tax regimes, not standard corporate income tax. Specifically, “services provided … by beauty parlors, beauty clinics, health care centers, cosmetic or plastic surgery centers / clinics …” fall under a 5% tax rate, with no input-tax adjustment. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), there is also a 5% service tax on similar clinic and beauty services. Implication: These clinics are primarily subject to service tax, not traditional income tax. But within that service tax, PRA’s measures are making it harder to evade. What Does the PRA Crackdown Mean for Clinics? Formal Registration & Tax Compliance Clinics that have not been paying tax will now be formally registered with PRA. Through EIMS, every transaction could be recorded and reported. This increases transparency, making electronic invoicing mandatory for a broader set of service providers. Capacity Building PRA is boosting its field force by hiring more enforcement officers. A dedicated digital monitoring cell is being set up to track staff performance and compliance. Widening the Tax Base By including beauty clinics in the tax net, PRA is not just collecting revenue it’s also expanding its tax base, making the system more equitable. The survey is set to be completed by December, meaning more non-registered clinics may soon be formally assessed for taxes. Enforcement Risks for Non-compliant Clinics Clinics that resist may face penalties, audits, and even forced closure if they are found intentionally evading tax. PRA’s rollout of EIMS increases the risk of being “caught in the system” since all invoices will be traceable. Challenges & Concerns While the crackdown is a positive step for tax fairness, several potential challenges loom: Operational Burden: Smaller clinics that were not previously registered may struggle with the administrative and technical burden of EIMS compliance. Cash-based Business: A large portion of such businesses may have operated in cash; forcing digital invoicing may disrupt traditional business practices. Resistance / Evasion: Some clinic owners may resist or find workarounds. Enforcement depends heavily on PRA’s capacity and persistence. Pricing Impact on Clients: If clinics face higher compliance costs, they may pass them on to clients, potentially increasing the cost of beauty and wellness services. Why This Matters for Patients & Clinicians For Patients: More regulation means potentially more transparency your invoices may now clearly show tax, helping you verify that businesses are compliant. For Clinic Owners: It’s time to get compliant. Registering, integrating with EIMS, and maintaining detailed transaction records will not only avoid penalties but also build trust with regulators and clients. For Investors in Clinics: The crackdown underscores that this is a “legitimate” and taxable business now. Investors should factor in the expected tax liabilities and compliance costs. Broader Fiscal Context PRA’s Strategy: This move aligns with broader efforts by PRA to modernize tax administration and close loopholes. Revenue Pressure: As Pakistan seeks to increase its domestic revenue, expanding service-sector taxation (e.g., clinics, beauty parlors) gives the government a new frontier for tax collection. Digital Tax Infrastructure: The EIMS system is part of a broader digitization strategy, enabling more real-time tax tracking and reducing reliance on manual audits. Conclusion The PRA’s intensified crackdown on beauty clinics marks a turning point these businesses can no longer operate in the shadows. By leveraging digital infrastructure like EIMS and expanding enforcement capacity, the authority is pushing for a more transparent, compliant, and equitable tax regime. For clinic owners, compliance is no longer optional it’s essential. For regulators, this opens up a major revenue stream. And for patients, it could mean cleaner business practices and clearer billing. As the landscape shifts, instacare.com.pk/ can play a vital role in guiding, educating, and influencing the sector toward responsible growth.
Lahore, Wednesday, August 19, 2020: InstaCare is a HealthTech organization that aims to innovate in the healthcare ecosystem and collaborate with relevant stakeholders including patients, healthcare professionals, institutions, and pharmaceutical companies to enable accessible and reliable healthcare for the masses. InstaCare has joined hands with Doctors Diagnostic Lab (DDLC) to move a step further in making healthcare accessible in Pakistan. The collaboration between InstaCare and DDLC will bring forward quality and timely diagnostic services with the convenience of home sample collection aiding our vision of making quality healthcare accessible across Pakistan. InstaCare will help Doctors Hospital in digitizing their lab through the DDLC application. Along with this, the app will also allow people to book online consultation and maintain health records. We are confident that through the partnership we will add another avenue for people to access timely healthcare delivery and reliable services. As a digital stakeholder in healthcare the ecosystem in Pakistan InstaCare is striving to help stakeholders in the industry go digital and grow their national footprint and add services in our platform as a one-stop healthcare solution. We hope to keep moving forward with the same passion and energy to create changes.
Governor of Punjab, Chaudhary Mohammad Sarwar on the occasion of the announcement of interim results of PROTECT Trial awarded InstaCare with a shield of appreciation for enabling digital healthcare services for the Trial. PROTECT Trial is the largest trial that is being conducted in Pakistan for the finding of Coronavirus treatment at the University of Health Sciences with its 10+ trial sites across Pakistan. InstaCare, an International Award Winning EMR/EHR Company InstaCare is working since 2015 in Pakistan to enable digital healthcare infrastructure in the country. Today the vision of InstaCare can be witnessed in over 5,000 medical practices across the country where medical practices have gone completely digital. InstaCare Telemedicine Software InstaCare Telemedicine Software is widely being used both nationally and internationally to provide access to healthcare services. With over 1,000 telemedicine practitioners in Pakistan, InstaCare is the largest network of telemedicine enabled medical practices.
The End of Misery | When will the pandemic end? Coronavirus has taken all over the world and turned into a pandemic. Many people have got the infection, others are feeling so anxious and are in a state of panic. People are feeling so exhausted and tense during the quarantine. Since this pandemic has forced everyone to stay at home. During this time, everyone has the same question that when will this pandemic end. The answer to this question, in turn, depends on many questions are we going to get the coronavirus vaccine? do we stay at home and practice quarantine properly? and are we following proper safety measures? The pandemic end depends hugely on how we act during this crucial time. In this article, we are going to discuss the factors on which the pandemic end depends. Vaccine Pandemic end strongly depends on either we will get the vaccine for it or not. If we get a vaccine that is safe and effective then we can hope to get out of this pandemic soon. But we cannot expect it to happen too early. It would be great if the doctors could vaccinate everyone against coronavirus as they do against smallpox, to eradicate it. We also need to know how will this virus behave in the future, because it would not go permanently away from us. Maybe it will appear back seasonally, more in winter, spring, and autumn and less in early summer. Number of affected people The number of affected people in a country will let the experts know about statistics off future infection chances. In countries like Italy and Spain where many people have got the infection, few are left to get the infection. The epidemic in those countries would come down naturally due to saturation leading to the pandemic end. This is the thing that occurred with previous pandemics of which there was no treatment discovered. Hygiene and safety measures The pandemic end depends greatly on either we practice safety measures or not against coronavirus at this time. As Centres of Disease Control and Prevention has advised everyone to wash their hands and stay in quarantine, it is important that we practice them. If everyone would not play their role we would never get rid of this virus. Since a single person can infect many people, even those people are practicing the right safety measures. We will have to keep following good self-hygiene practices and avoid crowded places for a long period of time to protect ourselves. Every single person plays a role in the pandemic end because a single person can become a source of transmission to many many people. Therefore to make an estimate about the pandemic end, safety measures play a big role. Tests The tests should be conducted on a larger scale to help in the pandemic end. When more people will get tested, the experts could get to know about it and they can be isolated early, without infecting other people. If people are asked to rely on their symptoms and get tested when facing severe symptoms. This would multiply the infection rate because they would not isolate themselves from their family. Or there is a chance that a person can go out and expose it to others. Some people would face less severe symptoms, and they would transmit it to others. If tests are done on a larger scale it would eventually help in isolating the healthy ones from the unhealthy ones. Rural communities The higher authorities should make sure that there are enough resources for rural areas to cope up with this pandemic. Since urban areas are rich with resources and can cope up with complex situations, but this situation is hard for them. So the rural areas need special attention and support to function properly. Also, there is a lack of awareness, and the people there would not practice safety measures properly. The authorities should make sure that the people living there are practicing social distancing and other measures as well. In rural areas, there are many people living together. So one infected person can infect all of them, resulting in an infection on a large scale. Also, the less privileged people should be supported with funds so that they need not go out and work something to earn and expose themselves to others. Conclusion We can hope to get the pandemic end soon. But at the same time, we should be vigilant and attentive enough to follow all the safety measures. The pandemic end eventually depends on how we act and react to the situation. How we act today will decide our future. So stay positive, optimistic, and responsible! For more information, visit here or reach us at Instacare.
How Can Older People Stay Safe From This Pandemic? Older adults and people seem to be at higher risk. We can make sure that older people stay safe. But people with severe diseases like cancer, heart, lungs, and diabetes are at higher risk. They can develop more complications from the infectious disease. Because 8 out of 10 deaths in the US have been in 65 years and older. Here are some stats: Estimated percent requiring hospitalization 31-70% of adults 85 years old and older 31-59% of adults 65-84 years old Estimated percent requiring admission to an intensive care unit 6-29% of adults 85 years old and older 11-31% of adults 65-84 years old Estimated percent who died 10-27% of adults 85 years old and older 4-11% of adults 65-84 years old However, the fatality rate of people over 80 years from this pandemic is almost 15% from China. Older people do not have a robust immune system to cope with this pandemic. This pandemic is impacting the global population in drastic ways. In many countries, it is difficult for older people to stay safe and they are facing severe threats and challenges at this time. On the other hand, all age groups are at risk of exposure to the virus. However, older people can develop a severe illness if they contract due to the psychological changes that come with aging and potential health conditions. During this time of isolation, we should treat all older people treated with high respect and dignity so they stay safe. Likewise, support for older people’s families, their near ones, and their caregivers are an essential part of the countries’ comprehensive response to the pandemic. Care of Diet and Medicine During times of isolation and quarantine, older people need safe access to nutritious food, necessary supplies, money, medicine to support their physical health, and social care. Older people should have access to accurate information. So, they should be told how to stay physically and mentally fit during this pandemic and what to do if they fall sick. They are often dependent on communities and carers to maintain their daily routine. The care of mental health during troubled times is also a key consideration. Social Challenges To keep your grandparents or parents safe because you can not visit them. However, this does not mean to isolate them socially. Physical distancing is not social isolation. The older people might have isolation or mobility challenges. As a result, they might not know what to do. In many societies, seniors are most lively to live in poverty. Therefore, this makes it difficult for them to get food, and they can not even take care of them. To stay at home might be difficult. This is not asked to change their behavior forever, but just for three to four months. When you look at the curve of Wuhan and Hubei, It’s only been three months. So stay at home for three months, and it will be alright. There are some simple steps that you can do to keep them safe and fit during this pandemic. Family Get Together You can plan family gatherings not physically but virtually. This will help them to cope with their loneliness. Research shows that older people are more likely to talk with their grandchildren. Precautions in Checkups Whether it is routine checkup or emergency, take all precautionary measures. Call a doctor at home for a regular checkup for table condition or electoral procedure. Consult with a doctor before any move. You can use telehealth services like Instacre is providing free guidelines related to the pandemic and infectious virus. Encourage Activities If they are still doing their exercise and following their diet and health care routine, appreciate and encourage them. Ask them to practice all types of training like strength and flexibility etc. Plan ways if they fall sick “Expect good and prepare for the worst” thing applies here because they fall ill. This will enhance the delivery of emergency health care to them instead of unable to understand what happens. On the other hand, if you did not think about it, then it will create panic and even cause significant loss. Create a list of organizations For this, create a list of organizations that can properly guide you on what to do in that situation. For this purpose, the government of Pakistan created a helpline for the guidance of individuals. You can call on 1166 to ask for more details about the disease. Instacare is providing free counseling on this high time for serving the community. You can call on 092-317-9797-297 for guidance from medical experts. In short, there are many ways through which we can prevent them. We can engage them and keep them mentally and physically fit when this pandemic will over; they can easily follow their previous routine. Meanwhile, they need our attention and support. Loved ones check in with older adults about their support networks, and help them find ways to stay connected to these groups and routines. Some religious and civic organizations may already have a plan in place for reaching out to older adults in their community. If so, make sure that the older adults know that too, and help them connect with whatever services may be available to protect them.
Regarding, the government’s response to coronavirus, on March 13, the first meeting of the National Security Council (NHC) took place. The Prime Minister of Pakistan chaired the NHC meeting which includes top military and civil leadership. The purpose of the meeting was to look at the alarming threat to the health system. So he asked the relevant persons to lay out a plan and likewise inform him on this matter. On the other hand, the first case of coronavirus registered on February 26th. The person visited Iran recently. His contacts traced and isolated quickly. In short, until March 12, the total number of cases was 21 in Pakistan. For live stats, visit here. But there is a need for a strict action plan. Imran Khan on his speech on March 17, asked,” While there is a need for caution but no need to panic (Ghabrana Nahi hai).” He said that we can not completely lock down the country. Because of doing this, daily wagers can die out of hunger instead of coronavirus. For instance, India completely locked down the country without taking the view of the people who are below the poverty line. But Pakistan has the largest number of cases in South Asia, far more than its neighbor, India. Before any registered case, Pakistan decided not to strand the 800 students in Wuhan, Chian returned to the country. 18th Amendment According to the 18th Amendment to the constitution of Pakistan, it gives semi-autonomous status to provinces to adopt a different course of action from the central government. As a result, we saw varying lockdowns intensity in Sindh, Pakistan’s largest province hit by Taftan visitors. The government kept the visitors in camps for 14 days and let them go after screening. After that, they were allowed to return back to their homes and villages. But a large number of people got positive in their reports when tested by local health care workers. However, health experts alleged that people were badly mishandled by authorities. This provides the place to call military aid “act in aid of civil powers” but not until formally invited. PM and President Steps The Prime Minister of Pakistan has approved an economic fund of 1 Trillion rupees for people to help them in crisis. Meanwhile, the President of Pakistan visited China to learn from them as they have declined the number of cases now. Beijing pledged to help Pakistan as they now dealt with reducing the number of cases. The team from China has also come to help out. Ministry of Health Services As a result of this pandemic, the Ministry of Health Service has laid out a plan which shows the intention go government to respond to this outbreak. Vision A national effort to respond to COIVD-19 emergency in Pakistan Minimal National Morbidity and Mortality Long term Developing a structure ensuring timely response and plan for all pandemics. Problems to Government Above all, the government is doing all its efforts to stop this pandemic. But people are not serious about taking precautions. They allow their kids to play on grounds. Upon closing the grounds, they go to the open area for playing. Their parents are unwilling to quarantine them to crowded homes. Pakistan is the world’s fifth populous country. Similarly, the clerical community is refusing to help the government. They have not stopped large gatherings and offering prayers. About 150,000 clerics from around the world helped spread the virus in a religious gathering. Pakistan’s cases have risen from 250, a few weeks before to 1098 after that. The officials canceled it but participants already scale, eating, sleeping and living in close quarters. Steps announced by Government Ten steps announced by the government to prevent this pandemic in Pakistan which are: National Coordination Committee for coronavirus (COVID-19) will make decisions on a daily basis. All educational institutions, both public and private, are closed till 31st May. Pakistan will completely seal its border with Afghanistan and Iran for travelers and trades. Katarpur will be closed for Pakistani but Indians pilgrims will keep visiting. Pakistan will departure international flights from Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad for effective screens travelers. The government put a ban on all public gatherings and conferences. To prevent coronavirus, no visiting allowed in prisoners. The government will reach to religious leaders to work out the modalities for effective management of religious services. The government will devise a plan to avoid food supply shortcomings. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) will cooperate with the district and provincial for necessary implementations. A corona relief tiger force will be working with government and security agencies. The force will provide food to people if we forced to lockdown. In short, the government has taken many steps on its behalf to avoid the separation of the pandemic. It will be achieved by the mutual corporation of people and the government. Because if we forced to lockdown, many peoples will die out to hunger. It is only possible by the individual and collective efforts. We should not be a hurdle in the way of prevention. Instead, we should play our role in this. For instance, Instacre is providing free consultation for coronavirus.
How To Prevent Coronavirus COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease caused by a coronavirus that spreads from person to person via their respiratory droplets. The spread of coronavirus can be prevented by exercising some tips. In this article, we will discuss safety measures to prevent coronavirus and why are they necessary. It is important that along with the safety measures, we understand why are these measures necessary and what’s the logic behind these. For any further questions, leave a comment below. Washing Hands Frequently Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing and when you come back home from outside. Wash your hands properly for at least 20 seconds because the soap requires at least 20 seconds to kill the virus and bacteria. Wet your hands with running water, then apply soap, scrub all the parts of your hands, rinse them with running water and then dry them with tissue paper or a clean towel. Use can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer on the go. Make sure it has at least 60% alcohol because high alcohol content helps in killing bacteria and viruses. Always wash your hands with soap and water, if they are visibly dirty. Washing your hands frequently is necessary because the coronavirus can stay on surfaces for a long time. If an infected person coughs or sneezes on that surface, and you touch that surface, you can easily catch coronavirus. Avoid Touching Your Face It is a part of human nature to touch the face, eyes, nose, and chin unconsciously. You should avoid touching them because hands touch many surfaces and can carry viruses and bacteria. This habit makes you prone to coronavirus infections, you can transmit the viruses and bacteria to your face that you have caught from surrounding or by touching other people. If you need to touch your face, make sure to wash your hands properly and then touch it. Stay At Home It is so important to stay at home, especially if you are having any flu-like symptoms or if you have a travel history of the past 14 days. It is beneficial for you and others as well. If you have traveled internationally, there is a chance that you are infected and your body is not showing any symptoms. You can infect others in this period, so it is necessary to quarantine yourself for at least 14 days to protect others from getting infected. Apart from any symptoms and travel history, it is good to stay at home as much as you can. Avoid exposure to crowded and closed places. The more you stay at home, the more protected you will be against coronavirus. Maintain A Social Distance Maintaining social distance is one of the most significant measures to prevent Coronavirus. You should maintain a distance of 3 feet (1 meter) from people who are having flu-like symptoms. Coronavirus is highly contagious, there is a high chance of getting infected if you are in close contact with someone who is suffering from it. A graphical illustration of social distancing is given below: Disinfect Surfaces Coronavirus can reside on surfaces. It is recommended to clean and disinfect high touch surfaces like doorknobs, switchboards, keys and cell phones, etc. There is a fair chance of transmission of coronavirus through these surfaces. If anyone touches them with contaminated hands, your hands can get contaminated too. You should also try to disinfect the products you are bringing home from the outside. You never know who has coughed, sneezed or touched them with contaminated hands. Cough And Sneezing You should cover your mouth with tissue paper while coughing and sneezing or cover it by an elbow. Throw that tissue paper in the dustbin and wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Wear A Face Mask It is necessary to wear a face mask if you are having an interaction with an infected person, or suffering from flu-like symptoms. It will protect others from getting infected. By wearing a face mask you would not transmit your infected respiratory droplets that would protect against coronavirus spread. Avoid Shaking Hands Stop shaking hands to greet people, instead, you can nod, bow or wave a hand to greet them. It is a tip to keep yourself and other people protected. Shaking hands can cause transmission of coronavirus from one’s hands to another. Conclusion Prevention is better than cure. You should exercise all the above-mentioned tips to protect yourself from catching a coronavirus infection. Everyone has to play their role to stop the dissemination of this coronavirus outbreak. You should take precautionary measures even if you are healthy because you can transmit it to someone with a weak immune system, an elderly or someone asthmatic. To them, it would be lethal, so everyone needs to take these safety measures to protect other people. If you need more information regarding coronavirus, you can visit InstaCare health articles for it.
Social Distancing – Why It Is Important To Stop Corona Virus? Pandemics do not stop on holidays just like us. So, there are some terms that are repeating on media and social media. You will be using it for a long time. Who knows when will this COVID-19 stops. Social Distancing Social distancing is increasing the physical space between persons. The minimum distance that you should maintain is 6 feet/ 1.8 meters. Examples of social distancing Cancellation of large gatherings and sports like PSL 5. Working from home. Closures of educational institutions. 14 days lockdown These precautions can help in reducing the number of coronavirus victims. Isolation Isolation is a health term that means remaining away from the people who have any contagious disease and virus e.g coronavirus(COVID-19). Self-Quarantine Self-Quarantinemeans put yourself in isolation, particularly for 14 days. Quarantine generally means that separation of the person who has exposed to communicable disease. But he himself has not shown any symptoms of that disease. The medical experts from all over the world including Instacare.com.pk say that 14 days period is enough for showing the symptoms of coronavirus. Flattening the Curve Flattening the curve means a reduction in an increasing number of victims of coronavirus. The numbers are increasing in direct proportion with time. By quarantining yourself, this curve will decrease. From above, we came to know the most trending terms on social media. Social distancing is the way that we can flat the curve and can reduce the spread of coronavirus. Coronavirus has become pandemic now and it will cost many human lives just like other pandemics of human history like Spanish Flu, Congo virus, and Plague. According to WHO, Spanish Flu kills almost a quarter of the world e.g 50 million. If it is not stopped then after some decades it will be added into the list of pandemics and one of the most deadly diseases in the history of humankind. Measures to stop coronavirus(COVID-19) Social Distancing Self-Quarantine Isolation The immediate action is set in ascending order and it depends upon the severity of the disease. Social distancing is an important and basic step that everybody can do to stop this pandemic and save oneself. If you feel any illness and have started to see symptoms of coronavirus, then immediately contact your nearby health center or contact here for counseling online. While Social Distancing, You can Read books Teach your kids as schools are closed Home Gardening Family Activities Stay in touch with loved ones through Skype e.t.c. Try new recipes of other cultures Walk but not in parks and crowded places While Social Distancing, You can not Arrange gatherings at your place Arrange unnecessary meetings Go for dinner outside Do unnecessary traveling Work out at public gyms Visit relatives especially elderly relatives like grandpa and grandma Study in an educational institution The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guides the public on their household plans during this lockdown. While creating a plan for this time and you can do the following: Talk with those who need to talk Talk with your family members because everybody has different interests. Plan activities by keeping in view the interests of every family member. Plan ways if your loved ones become ill “Expect good and prepare for the worst” thing applies here because if your family member falls ill. In case, you did not think about it then it will create panic and could cause great loss. Create a list of organizations For this, create a list of organizations that can properly guide you on what to do in that situation. For this purpose, the government of Pakistan created a helpline for the guidance of individuals. You can call on 1166 to ask for more details on coronavirus. Instacare is providing free counseling on this high time for serving the community. You can call on 0310-000-2273 for guidance from medical experts. Wash Hands Wash your hands frequently with soap for 20 seconds. But take care of natural water resources, you should not waste it for other calamities. Use sanitizers for outdoor purposes where water is not available. Understand how it spreads Coronavirus spreads from person to person but not from person to person who is 6 feet away from each other. Take necessary precautions like sneezing in your elbow and wear the, you will be safe. Protect Others In this state of crisis, it is an obligation to care for your loved ones but take care of other members of the community as well. If you are exposed to this disease or having symptoms of it then take precautions to protect yourself and your community. Social distancing is the basic and necessary step that can save millions of lives. No doubt, it is necessary to stop coronavirus. We can only stop it with social distancing because it’s vaccine not found yet. Here, we discussed a few steps that can help you do easily. We covered a few activities that you can do at this time to utilize this time in a productive manner. After this crisis will end, you will be happy to use this time for yourself and your family.
Transmission Of Coronavirus Through Pets Many people have pets in their houses, living in close contact with them. Some people eat and sleep with their pets also. But nowadays when coronavirus pandemic has taken over the world, which is highly contagious, it is important to know either a pet can get infected or transmit coronavirus. Early Observations If you are comfortable with what is Coronavirus, then you’re ready to read further. Coronavirus belongs to the family of viruses called cornoviridae. There are different types of coronaviruses. Virus, that the world is facing in 2019, causes coronavirus is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Previously, in 2002-03, we discovered SARS. And then in 2012, researchers found Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). SARS was transmitted through “Masked palm civet”, and MERS from Dromedary camels in the Middle East. Since SARS-COV-2 is from the same origin as SARS and MERS, scientists thought it could also transmit from an animal. How Does Coronavirus Transmit? SARS-CoV-2 seems to have emerged from an animal source, but now it is spreading from person to person,. Respiratory droplets are the main source of spread; often when an infected person coughs or sneezes. According to researches, a virus can infect animals and might not show its symptoms or transmission. The virus can remain silent in their body, but there is no information about either it transmits the virus in that phase or not. How Animals Can Be A Source Of Infection? Researchers say that a pet could become a source of coronavirus transmission if someone touches them with contaminated hands. If a person who is suffering from coronavirus sneezes or coughs on the hand and touches the dog with the same hand. After that, if another person touches that dog, they can easily catch coronavirus. So it is necessary to wash your hands after sneezing, coughing and after touching any animal. What Is The Story Of The Dog Who Died Recently? The pet owners became anxious when they got to know about the death of Pomeranian, a 17-year-old dog in China. The veteran tested this dog ‘weakly positive’ for coronavirus, having no symptoms and illness in quarantine, but it died after three days when he came out from quarantine. Experts say it maybe because he was already suffering from multiple health conditions and was elderly. The second dog in the same house was a negative Coronavirus. So they can not make the statement that the dog died because of coronavirus. What If I Am Infected With Coronavirus? According to the Centre of disease control, there is no evidence of coronavirus transmission through animals, but if coronavirus infects you, you should avoid close contact with your pets. Do not kiss, snuggle them or share food with them. Ask anyone else in your household to take care of them and maintain a distance with them. Do not forget to wash your hands after touching your pets and wearing a face mask when interacting with them, if you are the only one to serve them. Can Canine Vaccine Protect My Pet? The canine coronavirus vaccine for dogs is to protect them from enteric coronavirus. These vaccines are not licensed to be used for protecting against respiratory infections. There is no evidence that vaccinating dogs with commercially available coronavirus vaccine will protect them from COVID-19, which causes respiratory illness. Conclusion In this hard time of self-solation, you can play and walk with your pets. It is good to relieve your stress and anxiety and it will let you feel calm and healthy but do not forget to take safety measures. If you have pets, keep them clean, bathe them regularly and always wash your hands after touching them. If you are having any symptoms like cough, breathing difficulty, fever, and sore throat, maintain a distance with them and isolate yourself. There is not enough information up til now to say whether Coronavirus spread through pets or not. But prevention is better than cure, so maintain yours and your pet’s hygiene to protect yourself from coronavirus. For further read, you check WHO’s FAQ on a similar subject here.
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