Auto vendors have decided to enter in the medical devices industry aimed to support the government's efforts to deal with coronavirus syndrome. In a letter to the Engineering Development Board (EDB), chairman Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM), Muhammad Akram has stated that the auto vendors understand the global calamity of coronavirus which Pakistan is enduring as well, a resultant fallout from other countries.
He was of the view that government's efforts to contain the situation are commendable, e.g, allowing immediate duty/tax free imports of medical equipment/items vide various recently issued SROs. The Association heard about efforts at various government forums to explore possibility of manufacturing of vital medical equipment like ventilators. The list of other under import medical items is long and development/manufacturing of these will have to be considered while viewing population quantum of the country vis-à-vis the import bill on this account in foreign exchange.
In this situation, PAAPAM expresses its unequivocal support for the health related challenges confronted by the nation, the chairman PAAPAM said, adding that Engineering Development Board (EDB) being a focal government's entity is assured of our fullest cooperation in ongoing efforts for development/manufacturing of medical equipment and items. Chairman EDB, Board Almas Hyder said that the auto industry has decided to enter in the medical devices industry to support the efforts of government.
"If PAAPAM can make components for a car, they can also make components for ventilators and nebulizers. All they need is encouragement from NDMA and the government", he added. Chairman All Pakistan Motor Dealers Association H. M. Shehzad said that local assemblers are looting the consumers in connivance with EDB. He was of the view that the EDB is acting like agent of assemblers instead of an independent regulatory body. He requested ECC to approve the proposal of MoCC.