PM visits Hayatabad Medical Complex, briefed on COVID-19 situation in KP

PESHAWAR: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday visited Hayatabad Medical Complex in Peshawar where he was briefed about the coronavirus situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the steps taken to contain its spread.

The prime minister was accompanied by Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar, Minister of State Shehryar Afridi, Special Assistant on Poverty Alleviation Sania Nishtar, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shah Farman and Chief Minister Mahmood Khan.

PM Imran Khan appreciated the provincial government’s steps against coronavirus. He said in the present situation, the mains focus of government must be on the provision of relief to weak and poor segments of society. 

The prime minister directed the provincial governor, chief minister and relevant ministers to visit the corona affected areas of the province and ensure the provision of facilities there. He said the federal government will continue to assist all the provinces to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.

He was informed that 275 quarantine centers have been established in the province having the capacity to accommodate 8,000 patients. He was further told that 583 ventilators are available in the province and their number is further being enhanced.

There are 639 regular doctors and 1299 on contract recruited to meet the emergency. In addition, 9000 retired doctors, nurses and paramedical staff have volunteered their services which will be utilised when required. Around 400 resource teams have been established in the province at the official level.

The meeting was informed that corona testing capacity is also being enhanced, while the provincial chief minister has recently announced a relief package worth Rs32 billion.