Originally from Karachi, Pakistan, Sana completed her diploma in nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery. She spent seven years as a registered nurse in the university’s emergency department, gaining valuable experience and expertise that prepared her for a career in emergency medicine. Today, Sana is a registered nurse in the accident and emergency unit at the Mediclinic City Hospital in Dubai, UAE.
Like many in healthcare, her day-to-day activities have completely transformed over the last few weeks. Managing fear among patients has been a constant challenge for Sana and her team. Add to that, the crucial task of caring for herself and her colleagues has been difficult, even with adequate personal protective equipment available. For her, it’s been humbling to absorb the fact that a small, microscopic virus has already caused so much loss of life and disruption. She has personally become passionate about the importance of infection control measures and good communication for the public.
Sana has learned a lot from her experience, and is using it to equip herself to not only perform better as these challenges continue, but also to prepare for the future. She believes healthcare systems should always be prepared for pandemics. For her, the critical learning was the role that technology — mobile apps and websites — can play in helping improve communication and knowledge-sharing between healthcare professionals and the public.
“Stay safe, wash your hands frequently, and use protective equipment. Avoid going out of your homes and avoid visiting hospitals unnecessarily to prevent cross contamination. Follow the instructions of the Jamati institutions and the government. Keep yourselves hydrated, and be aware of all signs and symptoms of Covid-19.”
