Govt needs funds because coronavirus will affect more people: PM

PM assured that distribution of funds to deserving families will be merit-based and transparent.

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said the government is raising funds because coronavirus will affect more people in coming days. He said effects of this pandemic will last long.

During a live telethon to collect donations for the vulnerable strata of the society, the premier said: “First of all let me share the purpose of this fundraising. No one knows what will happen in few weeks’ time for now. There is a lot of uncertainty.”

"There is no point in appealing for this fundraising unless we let people know the reason why we are doing it. We are  distributing 140 billion rupees among 1.2 crore people but coronavirus might further spread and more people will be affected by it. Hence we need more funds.”

He assured that distribution of funds to the deserving families will be totally merit-based, transparent and non-political.

Prime Minister Imran Khan also asurred provision of personal protective equipment to every healthcare worker.

“All the health workers, all the frontliners in ICUs and ERs, I assure you, the nation stands with you and we will make sure you get all the necessary equipment,” he said adding that ”Sad part is that all these things could be easily manufactured in Pakistan but we are obsessed with importing things.”

The premier said Pakistan’s healthcare system is not equipped for a huge influx. Every four to people people out of hundred coronavirus patients might need to go to the hospital. But if there is a huge spike, four to five percent means a huge influx in hospitals.

"The upcoming days, I am sad to say, will show spike in coronavirus. Whoever is confined, is safe. Nation must practice social distancing."

Get latest updates on coronavirus: https://dunyanews.tv/coronavirus

Earlier during a meeting at Hayatabad Medical Complex in Peshawar, the Prime Minister was given a detailed briefing about coronavirus situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He appreciated the steps taken by provincial government against coronavirus saying in the present situation, the focus of government must also be on provision of relief to the weak and poor segments of the society.

Imran Khan 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.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister was informed that two hundred and seventy-five Quarantine centers have been established in the province having the capacity to accommodate eighteen thousand patients.

The Prime Minister was informed that five hundred and eighty three ventilators are available in the province and that their number is further being enhanced. 639 regular doctors and 1299 on contract have been recruited to meet the emergency. In addition nine thousand retired doctors, nurses and paramedical staff have volunteered their services which be utilized when required. Four hundred response teams have been established in the province at the official level.

The meeting was informed that corona testing capacity is also being enhanced. It was informed the Provincial Chief Minister has recently announced a relief package worth thirty two billion rupees.