Govt prepares support package for healthcare workers: Zafar Mirza

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to Prime Minister on National Health Services Zafar Mirza has said that the government has prepared a special package for the medical staff workers, who are performing their duties to fight against the COVID-19.

Addressing a press conference today, Dr Mirza said that the government held a consultation with experts regarding the package, as the frontline workers’ safety and financial help is a government’s priority.

He said the package would entail financial help, protection and training for healthcare workers, while those who died on duty while be given compensation through the ‘Shuhada package’.

Mirza said that along with the cooperation from the Chinese, 5000 healthcare workers will receive training, adding that the staff can also register their complaints via 1166 helpline.

He said that three percent of the medical staff in Pakistan is affected by the COVID-19 and the treatment of the workers’ family members should be done on a priority basis.

The National Disaster Management Authority had already been devised as a mechanism to provide personal protective gear to doctors and healthcare staff across the country, he added.

The special assistant said that the SOPs need to be thoroughly followed in order to remain safe and curb the spread of the COVID-19.

He warned people that things can get much worse if precautionary measures and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are not followed.

“We are telling everyone repeatedly that the only way to contain the spread of the virus is by following precautionary measures. People using public transport or going into shops should wear masks,” he stated.

Earlier, official data disclosed that the novel COVID-19 has infected 1,904 healthcare workers in Pakistan and 17 have died since the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.