COVID-19: Security beefed up at borders, PTI govt tells top court

Punjab govt says DHQ hospitals will get 100 new ventilators on May 11

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has apprised the Supreme Court that security measures at Taftan, Chaman and Torkham borders have been strengthened, extra staff has been deployed and emergency declared in the border areas of Balochistan with Iran.

"Special counters have been established at all major International airports of Pakistan," according to a progress report submitted to the apex court by the federal government in a suo motu case regarding preventive measures for COVID-19.

The report stated, “All passengers are required to fill mandatory health declaration forms before landing in Pakistan.

"Two hundred and seven hospitals in all major cities and 154 districts of Pakistan have been identified for isolation of suspected patients and their isolation capacity has been increased."

It is also stated that standard operating procedures and guidelines are being regularly updated and developed in consultation with the provinces and leading epidemiological experts.

To facilitate and ease the import of essential equipment and supplies, the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination has been fully engaged with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to facilitate waivers on 61 items.

Over 850 policemen deployed for security at cash centres

In addition, the report stated that steps had been taken to encourage local production of critical medical equipment with support of Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan and Defence Science and Technology Organisation.

The court was informed that the federal government had established a ‘Sehat Tahaffuz’ helpline to provide health-related information services to the people.

"Through the helpline, citizens will be able to obtain immediate assistance to their queries and concerns related to COVID-19 and be directed for hospital care if need be. Social distancing measures and quarantine/isolation protocols have also been included in the advisory.

CM Punjab reviews pandemic situation

The national, provincial and regional situations are being updated on the web through dedicated web portal."

It is also stated that many major points of entry have been closed/restricted to enable strict screening.

Separately, the Punjab government submitted its report on measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 to the top court.

According to the report, “One hundred and thirty ventilators are installed and in working condition throughout Punjab in district headquarter hospitals. In view of the increasing number of cases, the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department has procured 100 new ventilators, which are expected to be delivered on May 11, 2020.”