The government on Tuesday announced to launch a campaign for the protection of the healthcare workers who are fighting the coronavirus pandemic on the frontline in the country.
The National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) directed to ensure implementation of health-related standard operating procedures (SOPs) and proper training of doctors and paramedics, fighting as the frontline force against Covid-19 pandemic. The NCOC, headed by the Minister for Planning Development Reforms and Special Initiatives Asad Umar, was apprised by Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza that the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination is going to launch ‘We Care’ campaign for protection of healthcare workers. A draft of the guidelines in this regard is ready to be shared with the provincial health ministers for further implementation, Dr Zafar informed the meeting.
The campaign is aimed at bringing all medical workforce on the same page for using personal protective equipment (PPEs), link PPEs utilization with supply and bridge gaps between hospital administrations and the government. Around one hundred thousand health workers will get training on the guidelines through webinars, telehealth portal to be used in this process where it will also provide counselling and stress management facilities to doctors getting exhausted and stressed due to workload, the meeting was informed. Speaking on the occasion, Asad Umar said there is need to devise new strategy and planning after May 9 situation. He directed all the ministers and quarters concerned to come up with draft plans aimed at dealing with the worst case scenarios as ease in the lockdown will increase pressure on the healthcare system and management which may persist till July.