Emphasizing the importance of a robust public awareness campaign to stem the spread of coronavirus, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday directed the authorities concerned to take care of the coronavirus patients with greater responsibility.
Chairing a meeting of the National Health Task Force, the prime minister said that creating awareness among masses was a must to cope with the challenge of the coronavirus in the country, and people should be educated to take precautionary measures to stop the spread of the COVID-19. The prime minister also took notice of the alleged maltreatment of some Covid-19 patients by paramedical and administration officials, and declared that such an attitude was not acceptable as Covid-19 suspects should not be treated like this, as it would lead to cause fear among people.
He observed that if anyone had symptoms of the coronavirus, he or she should immediately get himself or herself tested without any hesitation, adding through testing and adoption of precautionary measures, "We can easily overcome the pandemic".
The prime minister underlined the need for taking steps for the launch of a comprehensive public awareness campaign in this regard, and directed for formulation of a coordinated strategy.
He said compared with the rest of the world, the situation in the country was under control, which could be further improved with adherence to precautionary measures and through instilling confidence among people. The provincial ministers apprised the meeting about the latest situation, treatment of patients in the hospitals, steps for the protection and facilitation of doctors and paramedical staff, and enhancement of corona testing capacity in their respective provinces.
In his briefing, the prime minister's focal person on the Covid-19, Dr Faisal Sultan, presented details about the number of patients in the provinces, deaths and the ratio of the cases.
Dr Sultan said that the number of coronavirus testing labs had been increased from four to 63 as compared to March.
Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmeen Rashid said that soon a standard operating procedure over home quarantine would be announced.
All four provincial health ministers, who attended the meeting via a video link, briefed the prime minister about measures taken by them against the Covid-19, ongoing treatment of patients in hospitals, and capacity building of laboratories in their respective provinces. Other senior officials attended the meeting through video link, the PM's office media wing said in a press release.