Punjab govt's central lab conducting 2,000 Covid-19 tests daily

Usman Buzdar announces additional basic pay for staff working in coronavirus lab

LAHORE: The Punjab government’s Central Lab of Coronavirus Testing Incharge and Molecular Biologist Andaleeb Hanif has said the lab has the capacity to conduct 2,000 tests daily. He expressed these views during a meeting with  Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar at the CM’s office on Saturday.

The CM lauded the services of Andaleeb Hanif and other staff of the lab in their efforts for Covid-19 testing. He announced an additional basic pay for the staff working in Punjab government’s coronavirus testing lab which are operational round the clock.

The CM said that the staff of the lab will be paid additional salary till the coronavirus lab is functioning. He added that the government appreciates the hard work of staff of the testing lab. “It is a difficult time and the government will continue to discharge its obligations on a timely basis.” He further said that there is a need to pay attention on research and development work and government will provide all out assistance in this regard. Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmeen Rashid and Punjab Primary & Secondary Healthcare Secretary Muhammad Usman were also present on this occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 26^th, 2020.