Daily Times

Coronavirus has turned the whole world upside down. Countries all over the world are trying hard to contain this virus using their available resources, however, they have so far most of it has been in vain. Coronavirus patients’ number has exceeded six million all over the world, whereas fatalities have reached more than 383,000.

In Pakistan, total number of corona patients are around 89,000 and almost 1,830 people have fallen prey to this deadly disease. According to the experts only by keeping social distances we can prevent its outbreak. People are being asked to stay at home. Preventive measures must be taken in accordance with going out if absolutely necessary, like covering their face by masks and using sanitizers. They have also been asked to keep six feet distance from others. But, unfortunately, people remain stubborn in their lifestyle and habits, taking this global pandemic light. Some of them even making fun of it. Markets and roads are witnessing the same rush. If we do not change our way of thinking and lifestyle, the state of affairs can go worse. Government is continuously warning people that they must comply with the lockdown directions.

The Cabinet Committee on Corona advised the department to conduct tests in general population and the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department constituted Technical Working Group to start smart sampling in entire Punjab with special focus on Lahore. In order to conduct the smart sampling, People Institute for Global Health University, Center for Economic Research in Pakistan, Mahboobul Haq Center for Economic Research LUMS, Center for International Development Harvard University, London School of Economics Universities from Georgetown and Washington jointly worked with the Govt of the Punjab. The researchers were asked to share a report by 28th April which said that out of 35,000 samples in Punjab, as many as 21,000 samples were taken from Lahore and an amount of Rs. 6 Crore was spent on the process. The Minister further said, “The sample results showed a ratio of 5.8 % positive patients in Lahore due to which the treatment facilities have been scaled up in Lahore. The number in the rest of the Punjab, however, is less than expected. The report shared by the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department identified over 50 years of age group as the most vulnerable. Due to our financial situation, we cannot implement a lockdown forever and we will have to observe precautionary measures to control the pandemic. Another research identified that by wearing masks, the transmission can be controlled by around 40 %. We are starting a mass awareness campaign in Punjab on the Corona Pandemic. Due to carelessness of the people, we have already seen in increase in the number of cases recently. The Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan has also requested people the take the necessary the precautions. The world is facing a financial crisis and a number of airlines have gone bankrupt. We are extremely grateful to the philanthropists who have come to help the needy at this moment of trial.” Responding to the queries of journalists, the Minister said that doctors working in Corona wards work for six hours a week and then they are given a leave of 15 days. The treatment of patients is immediately started once a patients is admitted to the hospital. She also said that the patients who show symptoms must immediately call the helpline instead of waiting at home. Punjab has currently 1450 ventilators which are used for critically ill patients and no patient is refused any treatment or other facilities. The chief minister was told that out of 8,598 suspected coronavirus patients, 752 were tested positive while 370 had been recovered in Bahawalpur region. Three field hospitals of 505-bed capacity have been established. A total of 3,507 have been tested in Bahawalpur. Similarly, anti-dengue measures have also been taken along with an effective locust surveillance mechanism in Bahawalpur; 95,535 hectares area has been sprayed and two planes along with more than 50 vehicles are being utilised to curb the locust attack. More than one crore acres land is under surveillance in Bahawalpur Division and experts are hired to control locust attack.

Usman Buzdar reiterated that promotion of backward areas was his top priority adding that unprecedented steps had been taken by the government to remove the deprivations of southern Punjab. Steps are being taken for the establishment of Southern Punjab Secretariat and it will be made functional soon, he said. Additional Chief Secretary and Additional IG will be posted in Bahawalpur and Multan and the people of Southern Punjab will not have to visit Lahore for the solution of their problems, he concluded. The tribal elders stated that dwellers of southern Punjab had been granted their rights in the tenure of the incumbent government and Usman Buzdar has got completed tremendous development projects in a short period of two years. We want that our areas are developed on the same pattern, they added.

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar directed the authorities to ensure strict implementation of the safety guidelines in markets and other commercial areas. He also instructed officials concerned to monitor implementation of the SOPs at other places.

The chief minister appealed to citizens to cooperate with the government by observing the safety SOPs.

He underlined that continuation of employment opportunities is essential along with observance of the SOPs and everyone will have to exhibit a socially responsible behaviour. He asked traders to follow the instructions issued by the authorities, adding that the government is committed to taking steps for the treatment of the patients. Following social distancing policy will ensure protection from the disease, he maintained. The chief minister said the government has allowed business activities while realising the economic difficulties of the common people.

“Public cooperation is imperative to stop the spread of coronavirus and people will have to be more cautious because they can remain safe from this virus by following the necessary precautions,” the chief minister said. Meanwhile, Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar underlined that it is not possible to make people observe the safety SOPs in letter and spirit voluntarily. “The state will have to enforce its writ if we want people to strictly follow the safety SOPs.”

Official statistics indicate a 300% increase in number of coronavirus patients and 332% increase in deaths across Punjab during May. The data shows that the province had 6,733 patients on May 1, while the number surpassed 26,240 on May 31. Similarly, the total number of people in the province who lost the battle against coronavirus disease was 115 on May 1 and reached 497 on May 31. The highest number of deaths of patients due to the virus in the province in a day was recorded on May 30 at 36.

While keeping the lockdown restrictions relaxed, the government has also directed the authorities concerned to ensure strict compliance with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) in the province to rein in the exponential spread of coronavirus.

An official of the provincial government highlighted that the government is also considering a proposal to take trade associations on board for strict implementation of the safety SOPs in commercial areas, otherwise it would be really difficult for the government to arrest the spread of the disease.

He also highlighted that deliberations are underway with different trade associations to help he authorities in enforcing coronavirus SOPs in letter and spirit.

In accordance with the Prime Minister’s vision of EHSAAS programs, Punjab Social Protection Authority has been entrusted with the responsibility to roll out multiple interventions for social protection of the vulnerable groups in Punjab. Government of the Punjab is now launching Ehsaas-Punjab built on the model of the national Ehsaas program. It will aim to expand Human Development and Social Protection in Punjab drastically so that poverty eradication, economic empowerment of women and better health and education outcomes could be achieved. Ehsaas-Punjab will be spearheaded by the Punjab Social Protection Authority (PSPA). It will include current PSPA’s programs as well as new programs worth over Rs. 15 billion, aimed at filling many coverage gaps in social protection.

Chief Minister Usman Buzdar also launched ‘RISE Punjab’ — a social protection and economic revival response to post-Covid-19 — to prepare all development schemes and initiatives either locally funded or donor supported.

The holistic framework of RISE Punjab focuses on six sectors including economic recovery and stability, social protection, health, substantial improvements in the governance capabilities, education and human capital development and risk management.

Chairing a meeting on government’s plan for province’s future economic growth strategy in the wake of coronavirus lockdown at CM office at Shahrah-i-Quaid-i-Azam, chief minister Usman Buzdar discussed the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan in combating Covid-19 and government’s priority of providing immediate relief to the people in distress. By taking timely actions like imposing lockdown and strengthening health care facilities, he said, the government had been able to keep the situation under control.

It focuses economic recovery, social protection, health, education, improvement in governance capabilities, human capital development

The chief minister lauded the Planning and Development Board’s efforts for preparing a comprehensive strategy to set the direction of public sector investments in the post-Covid-19 period as well as preparation of the forthcoming Annual Development Programme (ADP). “I am hopeful that RISE Punjab Strategic Framework will help the government put the economy back on track,” he said.

The Punjab government has also prepared a plan to curtail the financial implications arising due to the global pandemic. The plan of action is known as the `RISE Punjab’, which will cater needs of the public. It has also prepared a strategy for responsive investment for social protection and economic revival.

“RISE Punjab – Responsive Investment for Social Protection and Economic Stimulus is a comprehensive framework for the entire economy. It provides strategic direction for public investments and aligning policies and shall be used while formulating next year’s annual development plan as well as realigning ongoing projects in the short, medium and long term,” Mr Sheikh said.

The research on Corona virus is underway in the entire world but no one can give an exact date for a breakthrough or treatment. The decision of smart lockdown was made in view of the financial cost on the country. We hope that we will overcome this Pandemic.