PM Imran directs NDMA to ensure availability of Covid drugs

Premier Imran Khan calls for adopting precautionary measures to curb virus spread

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to ensure supply and availability of the medicines, including necessary injections for the treatment of coronavirus patients.

Chairing a review meeting on pandemic situation in Islamabad, the prime minister emphasised the pivotal role of the public in curbing the spread of coronavirus across the country by adopting precautionary measures.

Taking notice of the shortage of medicine and injections for Covid-19 patients, Imran directed the NDMA chief to ensure their availability and easy access. He said a proper treatment and following of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) could help control the spread of the disease.

The meeting was attended by Interior Minister Ijaz Shah, Planning Minister Asad Umer, Information Minister Shibli Faraz, Industries Minister Hammad Azhar, Adviser on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Special Assistant on Information Lt Gen (retd) Asim Saleem Bajwa, Focal Person on Covid-19 Dr Faisal Sultan, NDMA Chairman Gen Muhammad Afzal and senior officials.

20 cities with potential Covid-19 hotspots identified across country

The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the availability of protective gear and personal protective equipment (PPEs) as per requirement. As the government took necessary measures to control the pandemic, he said the supportive role of the public was equally important.

He urged the public representatives and leadership to remain vigilant with the help of local administration about the facilities at hospitals for Covid-19 patients. “Directions have been issued to the provinces on ensuring a 'smart lockdown' and maintaining a balance in protective measures and economic activities during the next few difficult weeks,” he said.

The meeting discussed measures to meet challenges of upcoming situation in view of availability of beds, oxygen cylinders, ventilators and facilities for the coronavirus patients. It was informed that at present, 107 coronavirus testing laboratories were operational across the country with 25,000 tests carried out on a daily basis.

Currently, 4,800 ventilators were available, while 1,600 will be added soon. The N-95 masks and ventilators were being manufactured locally. By July, the hospitals of all the provinces would be supplied with 2,000 additional beds for Covid-19 wards.

The meeting was informed that 20 big cities had been pin-pointed as hotspots of coronavirus, needing special arrangements by the provincial and district administration.