Ali Sheikh
PESHAWAR: First patient of the novel coronavirus died in Khyber Pakthunkhwa when a 50-year old man died on Wednesday evening.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Health Taimur Jhagra confirmed the death in his tweet on Wednesday night. “Sad to report one patient who passed away in Mardan,” minister tweeted.
The deceased identified as Saadat Khan had recently returned from Saudi Arabia after performing Umrah on March 8 and was diagnosed with COVID19 on March 16. The result of the test for the virus was received on Tuesday, and the patient died on Wednesday evening.
On 8th March 2020, patient Saadat Khan departed from KSA via direct flight of PIA from Jeddah International Airport and arrived at Peshawar International Airport, Pakistan on 9th march 2020. During the flight, patient was accompanied by two of his friends named Alamzeb (60-year) and Kamal ud Din (25 years). Patient Saadat Khan was received by Dr. Munazza (Consultant Pulmonologist) in DHQ Hospital Mardan on 16th March 2020 with complained of cough, fever and difficulty in breathing. Dr. Munazza notified the case as suspected patient of COVID19, collected nasopharyngeal swab for investigation and sent to NIH Islamabad through DHO Office Mardan. It is a matter of concern that how the patient pass from the airport without screening.
