Kamal calls for digitisation to fight coronavirus

Expresses concerns over local transmission of virus

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal on Friday directed relevant authorities to establish a central dashboard by computerizing relief operation and safety equipment data in order to ensure transparency in government efforts to curb coronavirus pandemic.

“There is need for digitalization for ensuring good governance in Balochistan. The provincial cabinet has decided to establish a provincial data centre,” Kamal said.

He as chairing a meeting to review relief work and distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) among health staff and doctors at Sheikh Zaid Hospital, BMC Hospital, and Fatima Jinnah Chest Hospital.

The meeting also reviewed the situation of novel coronavirus outbreak in Balochistan and expressed concerns over local transmission of COVID-19.

Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Imran Zarkoon briefed the CM about distribution of safety kits among doctors and health professional. He said health experts scrutinized the safety material including masks, PPE kits and gloves before their distribution

He said a total of 50 containers were dispatched to Pakistan-Iran border at Taftan and they were being installed at the border town by Communication and Works Department for quarantine and isolation of coronavirus infections and contacts – the people who are exposed to the virus.

“We have prepared 100 additional containers while 200 more would be prepared to ensure healthcare and isolation wards at Taftan border. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has pledged to send 900 containers to Balochistan.”

He said the provincial government has decided to establish a Container City for pilgrims at Taftan border where all residential facilities would be ensure for pilgrims.

The secretary health told the meeting that an additional 1,500 testing kits would arrive in Quetta on Friday. This consignment would double Balochistan’s testing capacity.

The meeting has directed Finance Department to release Rs515 million as allowance for paramedics. The government has also decided to publish vacant doctors’ posts.

The CM said: “Instead of replying to negative propagandas against government, we should focus on provincial issues particularly on the COVID-19 challenge.”

He said the government’s goodwill will protect it against all negative propaganda. He described the rumors against the government as a deliberate attempt to malign it.

Kamal directed the health department to utilize services of more expertise in order to remove flaws and ensure quality healthcare in Balochistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 12^th, 2020.