–Asad Umar says relaxations in lockdown will overburden the healthcare sector in June and July
–Mirza says govt to launch ‘We Care’ campaign for protection of healthcare workers
ISLAMABAD: The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Tuesday sought a roadmap to deal with the potential worsening of the coronavirus pandemic, as the government announced to launch ‘We Care’ campaign to protect the healthcare workers fighting coronavirus.
During the NCOC meeting, Planning Minister Asad Umar directed all the ministers and quarters concerned to come up with draft plans aimed to deal with the future scenarios as ease in the lockdown is likely to increase pressure on the healthcare system and administration because it is likely to persist till June and July.
The NCOC directed officials concerned to ensure the implementation of health standard operating procedures (SOPs) and proper training of doctors and paramedics fighting on the frontline against the pandemic.
He was apprised that the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination was going to launch the campaign ‘We Care ’ for the protection of the healthcare workers and had prepared the draft of guidelines which would be shared with the provincial health ministers for further implementation.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza said that the system aimed at bringing all medical workforce on the same page for using personal protective equipment (PPEs), link PPE utilisation with supply, and bridge gaps between hospital administrations and the government.
Minister for Interior Brigadier (r) Ijaz Shah, Minister for Industries and Production Hammad Azhar, Minister for National Food Security Syed Fakhar Imam, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce Textile and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood, Prime Minister’s focal person on Covid-19 and others also attended the meeting.
Umar said that there was a need to devise a new strategy and planning to prepare for the new situation post May 9 easing of restrictions.
