KARACHI: Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar along with Mayor Karachi Wasim Akhtar on Saturday visited Covid-19 Infection Disease and Research Centre (IDRC) established at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital (ASH).
Talking to the media after his visit, Asad Umar vowed that federal government would fully support Karachi as it is the biggest city of Pakistan.
Asad Umar said record amount is allocated for health sector in the federal budget for FY 2020-21, adding that efforts are being made across the country with assistance of respective provincial governments to ensure better healthcare facilities to the citizens.
He said basically health is a provincial subject but since we are facing a pandemic and emergency situation, we have decided to establish 7000 beds across the country till July 2020. "Out of these 7000 beds, 500 beds will be established in Karachi. I am grateful that ASH has completed its task for establishment of beds," he added.
The federal minister said a modern laboratory should also be established along with Infection Disease and Research Centre. "The centre would fully support the KMC for upgrade of ASH" he said.
Asad Umar said that he would talk to chairman Provincial Disaster Management Authority to ensure provision of oxygen kits for isolation ward at the KMC's hospital.
"I will also ask Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to resolve financial issues of health institutions including Abbasi Shaheed Hospital," he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Akhtar expressed gratitude to the federal minister for visiting the hospital and said they were trying to upgrade the hospital for last four years but could not do so due to shortage of funds.
The Mayor was of the view that they had started Covid-19 testing facility at ASH and the people are being tested free of cost and without any discrimination.
Akhtar added that he can proudly say that no local government in Pakistan except KMC is testing Covid-19 patients.
The Mayor also appreciated doctors, paramedics and other health workers who are combating from the front line. He said the KMC was also assisted by philanthropists for the great cause of serving the masses.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020