Pakistan acknowledges China’s support in battle against coronavirus

ISLAMABAD: The National Command and Operating Centre (NCOC) today (Tuesday) has acknowledged China’s role in helping Pakistan during coronavirus crisis.

In a press release, the NCOC said, “China not only looked after Pakistani students in Wuhan but also provided medical assistance on an emergency basis to halt the spread of coronavirus in the country.”

NCOC further stated that China provided critical medical supplies including 5,29,924 N-95 masks, 33,744 protective suits, 10,000 testing kits, 15,58,379 medical masks, 36 ventilators, 180 thermometer, 100 thermal scanners, 24,900 gloves, 59,376 goggles, 10,000 liters sanitizers and 1,442-kilogram non-woven fabric for making protective suits.

Minister for Planning and development Asad Umar chaired the meeting of NCOC. The forum reviewed the progress made so far and future course of action regarding coronavirus.

A detailed briefing was given on the current coronavirus situation and measures being adopted to combat the disease.

According to the press release, the forum finalized recommendations to be taken up at the National Coordination Committee (NCC) meeting. Detailed analysis and discussion were made by all stakeholders.

The forum also decided that the Interior Ministry will formulate guidelines regarding Ramazan in consultation with Ulemas.

The ministry will cover aspects including Taraweeh, namaz, Roza congregations, festivity (Iftari, sehri, etc), arrangements of Ramzan Bazar and distribution of food items by philanthropists, the forum said.

Regarding medical facilities, The forum was informed that Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) has started developing five different types of ventilators and the designs have been submitted for approval while the clinical trials have been started.

The forum directed the Ministry of Science and Technology, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), and NUST to finalize the decision of domestic development of testing kit within 36 hrs.

The forum was informed that 48 railway hospitals are available including 12 major and hospitals and 36 small dispensaries.

The concerned ministry informed the forum that 1,950 passengers will be brought back in the next weeks by air while three months will be required to bring back all stranded Pakistanis with approximately 8,000 passengers per week.

As per health guidelines, all passengers will be quarantined at locations of arrival while the air traveling SOPs will be reviewed on April 16.