Daily Times

Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar has said that taking effective measures to stop the spread of novel coronavirus is government’s priority.

Asad Umar, while talking to media, said that federal government is making efforts to curb the spread of deadly coronavirus while keeping the economy going. He added that coronavirus situation is improving in the country; however if people are not careful than there will be consequences.

The Planning minister further said that a specialized NDMA Hospital was set upped on directive of Prime Minister Imran Khan. He added that 250-bed Isolation Center and Infectious Diseases Hospital has been built only in 45 days in Federal Capital Territory with the support of China.

Asad Umar, while praising healthcare professionals, said that medical staff fought coronavirus with the spirit of nationalism, adding that government is constantly increasing medical capabilities to meet the challenge of coronavirus pandemic and other diseases.

He also praised role of masses in these difficult times and further said that following precautionary measures issued by the government will help decline the spread of this novel coronavirus and keeping people healthy.

It is pertinent to mention here that the number of positive coronavirus cases has surged to 225,283 in Pakistan. The nationwide tally of fatalities has jumped to 4,619.

According to the latest figures by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), 3,387 persons have been tested positive for COVID-19 in 24 hours.

Sindh has become the worst-hit province by the pandemic in terms of cases followed by Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad.

Till now 90,721 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Sindh, 80,297 in Punjab, 27,506 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 10,717 in Balochistan, 13,292 in Islamabad, 1,536 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 1,214 in Azad Kashmir.

Furthermore, 1,844 individuals have lost their lives to the epidemic in Punjab, 1,459 in Sindh, 1,002 in KP, 122 in Balochistan, 130 in Islamabad, 28 in GB and 34 in Azad Kashmir.

Meanwhile; Federal Minister for Planning and Reforms Asad Umar on Saturday visited National Institute of Health (NIH) to review the performance of the institute in coping with multiple diseases including novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Executive Director (ED) NIH Maj. General Prof. Dr. Amir Ikram briefed the minister about the role of the institute in controlling the multiple diseases including COVID-19.

Asad Umer was also briefed about the rapid response role of NIH regarding COVID-19.

The minister while appreciating the role of NIH said that the institute has done remarkable work in controlling the COVID-19.

He also visited the emergency operation center and other departments of NIH.