President Alvi responds to criticism regarding N-95 mask

ISLAMABAD: President Dr. Arif Alvi has responded to the criticism regarding N-95 mask raised by medical professionals, who claimed that personal protective equipment (PPE) was being misused by politicians.

President Alvi took to Twitter today (Thursday) and said, “As a doctor, I am strongly aware of misuse and wastage. I was reusing the N-95 mask that was given to me in China.”

The President further said, “Finally its strap broke yesterday so in the next meeting at Wing Commander Nouman Akram Shaheed’s house, you see me wearing a regular public mask,” adding, “I hope my clarification finds equal billings.”

As a Dr I am strongly aware of misuse & wastage. I was re-using the N-95 mask that was given to me in China. Finally its strap broke y/day so in next mtng @ WingCmdr Noman Akram Shaheed’s house you see me wearing regular public mask. I hope my clarification finds equal billing ???? pic.twitter.com/bXDLHnwe4d

— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) April 9, 2020

Earlier on Wednesday, President Alvi – wearing an N-95 mask – chaired a session arranged by Punjab government regarding coronavirus at Civil Secretariat in Lahore.

Some people criticized the President’s move to wear an N-95 mask as the government was convincing people that only health professionals deputed in quarantine centres and isolation wards should wear N-95 masks.

In this regard, Pakistan Medical Association had issued a statement that politicians and bureaucrats should not wear N-95 masks.

The statement said, “The PMA has observed that protective items required for healthcare providers are being misused.”

It further stated, “These days politicians and bureaucrats are often seen wearing N-95 masks during meetings and visits, whereas health professionals are facing a dire shortage of N-95 masks and PPEs.”

The statement also warned that the public should not wear N-95 masks as these are not necessary for everybody.