Daily Times

The Punjab government has increased financial aid of deserving families over special directives of Chief Minister Usman Buzdar to provide relief to citizens amid coronavirus lockdown.

The limit for 2.5 million needy families set up to Rs 4,000 has been increased to Rs 12,000 after the implementation of orders by Punjab CM Usman Buzdar.

The payment of Rs 12,000 will be paid to deserving persons after verification of their data. The people have been asked to submit their application to get funds till April 7.

CM Buzdar said that the federal and provincial governments were focused to help citizens in a difficult time and Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered special arrangements for assisting the affected families due to COVID-19 lockdown.

Meanwhile, a Chinese delegation comprising doctors and specialists called on Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar at CM office. It was agreed during the meeting to promote mutual cooperation and joint efforts in order to cope up with coronavirus pandemic. Chinese doctors and specialists commended the effective steps being taken by the Punjab government under the vibrant leadership of Usman Buzdar for preventing the masses from coronavirus pandemic.

The Chinese doctors and specialists said that SOPs being adopted by the Punjab government with regard to undertaking precautionary measures and treatment facilities are effective. They further complimented that timely government steps being taken have proved to be beneficial and fruitful to impede the spread of coronavirus in Punjab. They further commended Usman Buzdar for taking up expeditious and prompt measures in the right direction in order to save the people of Punjab from hazards of coronavirus and also lauded the preventive steps being taken for safety of the masses. The Chinese doctors and chief nurse shared their observations and experiences in order to effectively cope up with coronavirus pandemic and also check its rapid spread. The Chinese doctors also gave their assurances to extend all possible assistance to the Punjab government so as to prevent and eradicate this pandemic.

CM Usman Buzdar and Health Minister Dr. Yasmin Rashid inquired from Chinese doctors about various matters relating to coronavirus. Usman Buzdar appreciated and thanked the Chinese doctors and chief nurse for giving their assurance to extend their all out cooperation and further attributed that China is a highly reliable friend of Pakistan as it has stood by us in every difficult period of time. He further complimented that China by overcoming the coronavirus pandemic in a short span of time has also set worth emulating example. He further maintained that we will also benefit from the Chinese experiences for preventing the masses from this disease and eradicating coronavirus pandemic. The Chinese model is a role model and worth pursuing precedent for the whole world in order to effectively pre-empt and overcome this pandemic, he appreciated. We will fully act upon the suggestions and recommendations of Chinese doctors in this regard, he added. Only a true friend comes to the aid and assistance in this hour of trial and tribulation and China has once again proved that it will always steadfastly stand by us, he lauded. He further maintained that we deeply appreciate the cooperation and assistance from the core of our hearts being extended by China in order to effectively deal with coronavirus pandemic. Usman Buzdar stated that Chinese doctors and specialists have nicely advised as well as suggested that the spread of coronavirus should be stopped at minimum possible place at the earliest.

Chinese doctor Maming Hoi apprised that the possibility of spreading coronavirus in hot weather cannot be ruled out and ignored. The Chinese delegation advised that adopting social distancing measures play an important role to save oneself from coronavirus. They further suggested that implementation on observing lockdown for at least 28 days should be ensured and after 28 days the restrictions being imposed can be eased cautiously and gradually by taking into account the prevailing conditions. They further advised that it is more appropriate that coronavirus affected patients should be admitted to a hospital or kept at quarantine centre instead of keeping them at home. They further stated that in order to save the lives of patients the use of plasma has proved to be beneficial in highly adverse conditions and the use of three anti-viral medicines for the affected patients have proved to be curative and effective. At times coronavirus symptoms do not appear and people having better immune system and immunity recover early while coronavirus can prove to be dangerous for aged people and for those suffering from other ailments. Secretary Primary and Secondary Healthcare also gave a detailed briefing about exact numbers and statistics of coronavirus patients across the province.

Doctor Maming Hoi from Urumqi province China led the delegation of Chinese doctors and specialists. Provincial Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid, Chief Secretary, Provincial Secretaries Health, Information and other high officials were also present on this occasion.

Meanwhile, Provincial Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid called on Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar at CM office. Dr Yasmin Rashid apprised Usman Buzdar about the measures being adopted by the Chinese doctors and specialists with regard to prevention and treatment of coronavirus. She also gave a detailed briefing about the Chinese model with regard to overcoming the coronavirus pandemic.

Usman Buzdar directed to undertake all necessary measures to ensure successful implementation of Chinese model for overcoming and eradicating this pandemic. By timely adopting Chinese line of action has proved to be highly successful, he added. Punjab government by adopting Chinese model will take up all necessary measures to effectively control and overcome coronavirus pandemic, he vowed. He further maintained that we will also implement Chinese model with regard to treatment of patients and will incorporate Chinese steps as a part of our SOPs being undertaken for impeding the spread of coronavirus pandemic. The advice and suggestions of Chinese doctors will be given due preference relating to the treatment of affected patients, concluded Usman Buzdar.