K-P cannot afford another pandemic, warns Qasim

Health minister visits Peshawar airport to inspect mpox screening

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Minister of Health Syed Qasim Ali Shah, referring to the recent detection of an mpox case, has categorically stated that the province cannot afford another Covid-19-like pandemic. The minister issued this statement on his visit to the Bacha Khan International Airport to oversee the screening process for mpox among arriving passengers.

He was accompanied by MNA Arbab Sheer Ali and Public Health Director Dr Irshad Roghani.

During the visit, Bacha Khan International Airport Border Health Services In-charge Dr Farizuddin briefed the minister on the screening procedures in place for passengers arriving on international flights. Minister Syed Qasim Ali Shah personally inspected the screening of passengers and assessed the measures being taken.

Emphasizing the importance of precautionary measures, the Health Minister stated, "It is better to be proactive in preventing the spread of the disease rather than responding to an outbreak. We are focusing heavily on screening to prevent the potential spread of Mpox. Passengers arriving from border points and airports are urged to cooperate fully with the screening staff. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cannot afford another pandemic like Covid-19."