Will address genuine grievances of doctors: Zafar Mirza

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to Prime Minister on National Health Services Dr Zafar Mirza has assured government’s support for addressing genuine grievances of doctors’ community treating patients of COVID-19.

Talking to media Mirza said federal government was well aware of problems of the doctors and paramedical staff.

He said demand of doctors addressing press conferences to force the government for complete lockdown was not a feasible option, adding that a complete shutter down would add to miseries of the daily wagers and labor community.

He further said that Pakistan was a poor country and a complete lockdown would open new challenges for poor segments of society.

However, Mirza said social distance and other precautionary measures besides a strict lockdown in the areas where COVID-19 patients have been detected could be possible for protection of the community living there.

He appreciated the paramedical staff, doctors and nurses for playing front line role in treating the patients across the country. 

Mirza said religious leaders had instructed to follow standard operating procedure besides other precautionary measures given to them for safety and security of people visiting mosques to offer prayers.

Pakistan’s health system could not afford a large number of COVID-19 patients that might rise in days to come due to opening of the mosques and other outlets for public, he added.

Doctors and prominent health experts had demanded the government impose a strict lockdown in the country to limit the spread of COVID-19.