Mayor Karachi Wasim Akhtar Sunday paid tribute to health workers who are fighting from the front against Covid-19 and said that five doctors and seven paramedics working at hospitals under administrative control of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation have been tested positive for the virus.

Addressing an event held to pay tribute to health workers, Akhtar said that well developed countries have been hit hard too by coronavirus as their economies suffered downfall. Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Syed Saif ur Rehman, Senior Director Coordination Masood Alam, Senior Director Medical Services Dr Salma Kausar, Model Busha Abbas, Wasay Abbas, Medical Superintendents of KMC hospitals, doctors, nurses and other paramedics were also present on the occasion.

The Mayor asked private sector to come forward and help the needy people and daily wagers for their livelihood. He said that there are 40 ventilators with KMC and four filter clinics have been established in different hospitals. "Coronavirus testing facility would be provided at KMC hospitals having laboratories," he added. Akhtar was of the view that no government could cope with the current situation alone, asking every stakeholder to cooperate with the local government.

Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Syed Saif ur Rehman said that the entire world is facing hardships due to coronavirus and it is still uncertain when will these difficulties be overcome. He said the local government is playing its part in the current circumstances but the people should also adopt precautionary measures and help each other.

On the occasion, Model Busha Abbas donated ventilators, face masks, gloves, sanitizers and other preventive items to KMC. She said the equipments she had collected, these items, along with her team so that the same could be utilised for coronavirus patients. She also asked others to come forward and play their part. Dr Salma Kausar, Dr Sajid and others also spoke on the occasion.