Whole nation pays homage to health workers: PM Imran

PM says doctors and health care staff are our first line of defence against Covid-19

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Tuesday the whole nation praised and paid homage to the doctors and other health workers who are performing their duties on the frontlines in the fight against coronavirus pandemic.

Chairing a high-level huddle on meeting the requirements of the healthcare workers, Imran said that all the needs of medical staff would be met by the government on a priority basis. “Doctors and health care staff are our first line of defence against the global epidemic, like coronavirus,” he said.

“The whole nation pays tribute to the doctors, who are fighting to keep the nation safe from this epidemic,” the prime minister said, adding that no stone would be left unturned in meeting the requirements of the doctors and healthcare staff.

The meeting reviewed the virus situation and the healthcare facilities in the country. Measures taken by the federal and provincial governments, including provision of safety kits and equipment to the healthcare workers were also reviewed.

The meeting was informed that effective testing, tracking and quarantine strategy had yielded positive results in diagnosis and identification of Covid-19 patients, while the Resource Management System helped ensure efficient use of available resources in the country.

The prime minister directed the provincial governments to play a proactive role in encouraging the people to implement the standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued for coronavirus pandemic. “It will not only reduce burden on health facilities but also ensure effective prevention of the disease.”

The meeting was attended by Information Minister Shibli Faraz, Planning Minister Asad Umar, Special Assistants Dr Sania Nishtar, Dr Zafar Mirza and Dr Shahbaz Gul, Focal Person for Coronavirus Dr Faisal Sultan and others. Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmeen Rashid and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Minister Taimur Saleem Jhagra also attended the meeting via video link.