In Punjab, Rs1.5b earmarked for purchase of Covid vaccine

Jab will be given to differently-abled, elderly persons

LAHORE:

The Punjab government has earmarked Rs1.5 billion for procurement of one million doses of coronavirus vaccine.

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar made this announcement while speaking to the media here at the newly established coronavirus vaccination centre at Greater Iqbal Park on Thursday. He said funds have been allocated for procurement of coronavirus vaccine and expressed his satisfaction over arrangements and complimented the health department, as well as the administration, for their work.

The facility of vaccination will be provided to the special persons and the elderly people at their homes through ambulance, he added.

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Meanwhile, he highlighted that 64 people have died of the coronavirus during the last 24 hours while 275 critical patients are under treatment. Similarly, 22,624 have been tested during the last 24 hours as the number of active patients has reached 26,898 in the province, he said. The health system was burdened due to coronavirus patients and the need for oxygen for patients has increased seven times, he highlighted.

The chief minister said 400,000 citizens have been vaccinated and announced to gradually extend the scope of vaccination drive.

Meanwhile, the provision of vaccination doses from the federal government is being ensured. More vaccination centres are being set up in Lahore and the total number will increase to 127 in Punjab, he added.

He said corona is spreading rapidly and the government has given attention to seven major cities with more than a 12% positive rate. An effective lockdown has been imposed in these cities from today while partial lockdown has been imposed in seven cities from today with a 12% coronavirus patient ratio.

He appealed to the citizens to wear facemasks. The government wants that the industry is not affected and businesses also continue, he said. So that issues remain balanced, he added. The government wants to move ahead while ensuring a balance between the corona and the business activities. The government does not want to bother the citizens but is protecting their health and if the citizens will follow SoPs, the early elimination of coronavirus will be possible, he added.

To a question, the chief minister said the government will continue to serve the masses while those who are engaged in politics may continue their mission. The detailed decision of the Supreme Court is awaited about local government and the government will move forward according to it, he said.

Notice of the disappearance of coronavirus doses at Services Hospital and its ‘wastage’ in Mozang Hospital has been taken. Mozang Hospital MS is suspended and an inquiry has been ordered and facts will be shared with the media after the investigation, he said while replying to another question.

Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid, SACM Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan commissioner, secretary primary and secondary health and others were also present on the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 2^nd, 2021.