Lockdown perfect time for e-governance structure

Science minister suggests PM may soon announce Shuhada package for medical staff

With the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic forcing many departments, businesses and other industries to shift to a ‘work-from-home’ scenario, this is the perfect time for implementing e-governance structures with a worst-case scenario is likely to completely upset the entire country.

This was stated by Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry on Thursday during an online talk on the ‘Role of Ministry of Science and Technology amid Covid-19’. The dialogue had been organised by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI).

Chaudhry said that his ministry is all set to provide every support to other critical government departments, including the ministry of information technology and telecommunication, for the enhanced provision of broadband internet services across Pakistan.

Responding to a question about what was being done for medical practitioners in such a difficult time, the federal minister suggested that Prime Minister Imran Khan may soon announce the inclusion of doctors and paramedical staff in the government’s Shuhada package (martyrs package) in case they contract the virus and lose their life while treating Covid-19 patients.

He further said that his ministry is also helping with the production of testing kits, ventilators, personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitisers indigenously.

He called upon the private sector to step forward and join hands with the public sector during this critical time.

“The ministry’s doors are open for public policy think tanks, such as the SDPI, to come forward and enhance the scope of research and development in policy responses,” he added.

With the wheat harvesting season about to commence in the country, the federal minister said that they were working to providing technology to prepare affordable sanitisers for mass consumption and to make agricultural operations and the construction industry safe.

SDPI Executive Director Abid Qaiyum Suleri said that the war against Covid-19 needs to be fought on many fronts, with science and technology a critical aspect. 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 10^th, 2020.