<p>​Karachi – Addressing the pressing need for enhanced screening and testing, the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi has stepped up its efforts and established a dedicated COVID-19 Screening  and Testing Zone (CSTZ), within the Stadium Road Campus premises in Karachi. Syed Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister, Sindh inaugurated the facility and took a virtual tour of it.</p><div>The University Hospital experts feel honored and humbled to work with the Sindh and the Federal governments to fight the pandemic by providing technical and capacity-building support. The University Hospital has developed a comprehensive plan to tele-screen and test patients in a set-up that is on campus, away and separate from the outpatient clinics and the main hospital. For the first time in Pakistan, patients will stand in single modular booths where there is a physical barrier separating them and the healthcare staff. This booth set up was designed in-house and will help eliminate patient-healthcare professional infection and contamination, as well as conserving precious supplies of personal protective equipment worn by the staff. Additional processes have been included in already strict infection control protocols, as well as clear physical distancing markings on the ground, to ensure a safe environment with minimal exposure for patients, attendants and the healthcare staff. The COVID-19 Screening and Testing Zone (CSTZ) has been thoughtfully created as a safe zone for patients to confidently visit.
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</div><div>“This marks a milestone for us, as our teams have worked with dedication and commitment to make the screening and testing zone available for the general public in record time. On this occasion, I would like to thank all who worked tirelessly to ease and facilitate the people of the city. We are open and are safe to visit for ALL Patients, with ALL illnesses”, said Shagufta Hasan, Interim CEO, AKUH,K.</div><div>
</div><div>The CSTZ has a capacity of 300 tests per day; the FREE tele-screening appointments can be booked through 021 111-911-911. Patient welfare support and zakat support for zakat mustehiq patients, through the Patient Behbud Society for AKUH, are available. 
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</div><div>To respond to the developing situation and support the Government in its efforts to flatten the curve, AKUH,K is also offering tele-consultation clinics and home health solutions as well as in-person clinics for those patients where tele-consultation is not suitable. The AKU/AKUH,K leadership remains steadfast in their commitment to provide “All Services, All Under One Roof” and the Hospital remains “Open for All Patients with All Illnesses”.
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