Influenza Test Kit Shortage Troubles Patients at Lahore Government Hospitals

LAHORE — Patients visiting government hospitals in Lahore are facing serious difficulties due to the unavailability of influenza test kits, forcing many to return without being tested.

At Mayo Hospital, several patients expressed frustration over the shortage. Nasir Husain, a resident of Muridke, said he visited the hospital’s outdoor department for an influenza test but was turned away due to the lack of testing kits.

The Medical Superintendent of Mayo Hospital confirmed that conducting influenza tests is not possible without the required kits. Sources also reported that the shortage extends beyond hospitals, with influenza test kits currently unavailable in the market as well.

The shortage comes at a time of growing concern over the spread of the so-called “super flu,” which is rapidly increasing worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently reported a sharp rise in influenza cases in the United Kingdom and several European countries due to a new subtype of influenza A(H3N2), known as subclade K.

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In Pakistan, health authorities have confirmed the presence of the super flu virus, with around 20 percent of tested samples found positive for the new A(H3N2) subclade K strain.

Health experts have urged the public to remain cautious and strictly follow preventive measures as the virus continues to spread.