Cabinet reiterates vow to assist daily wagers, poor

5,814 families received a month’s ration, cabinet informed

QUETTA: Following the rapid spread of coronavirus, the provincial cabinet meeting on Monday presided over by Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Aliyani vowed to fully help daily wagers and poor families affected by the lockdown, urging the people of Balochistan to cut down social contact and stay indoors.

Provincial ministers and government officials were present in the cabinet meeting held to review the prevailing COVID-19 crisis and government efforts in this regard.

Chief Secretary of Balochistan Capt (retd) Fazeel Asghar briefed the cabinet regarding measures adopted by the government against the deadly virus across the province including distribution of ration among daily wagers and poor families.

“202 people have tested positive out of which 62 patients recovered successfully after receiving healthcare in quarantine centers established in Sheikh Zahid Hospital,” Asghar informed the cabinet meeting.

“2,777 tests have been conducted up till now.”

He also said, four PCR testing labs in Quetta and one in Taftan intensified the current testing process in Balochistan, adding that 7 government hospitals fully equipped with health facilities and having a capacity of 467 isolation beds have been established in various government buildings.

Informing the meeting about the government’s relief package for daily wagers, the chief secretary said, more than Rs700 million have been released with the support of public representatives and social welfare organisations.

“5,814 families received one month ration across Balochistan.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 8^th, 2020.