A day after doctors advise the government and religious scholars to reconsider their stance on reopening mosques for congregational prayers during the holy month of Ramzan, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital and Research Centre’s (SKMH&RC) Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Asim Yousaf has also expressed his opposition to the decision, saying it may have dangerous consequences in times of the coronavirus crisis.
Speaking during a television programme, the senior doctor said that he supports the medical community’s stance because a countrywide lockdown has been very effective against the virus spread, although it was necessary to provide relief to some industries.
He expressed opposition to the government’s decision of lifting ban on congregational prayers, saying “people’s livelihood does not depend on praying in mosques”.
Several members of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) on Wednesday had urged the government and religious scholars to reconsider their decision of easing overall lockdown and resuming congregational prayers, warning that a spike in COVID-19 cases would cripple the country’s already fragile healthcare system.
