ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Tuesday was apprised that the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination was going to launch the Campaign ‘WE CARE’ for the protection of the healthcare workers.
In a meeting of the NCOC held in Islamabad on Tuesday with the Minister for Planning Development Reforms and Special Initiatives Asad Umar in the Chair, the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Health Dr. Zafar Mirza apprised that the ministry had prepared the draft of guidelines which would be shared with the provincial health ministers for further implementation.
Dr. Zafar Mirza further told that it is aimed at bringing all medical workforce on the same page for using personal protective equipment (PPEs), link PPE utilization with supply, and bridge gaps between hospital administrations and the government.
Around 100,000 health workers will get training on the guidelines through webinars, and the telehealth portal will be used in this process where it would also provide counseling and stress management facilities to doctors.
The NCOC directed to ensure the implementation of health standard operating procedures (SOPs) and proper training of doctors and paramedics fighting on the frontline against the pandemic of COVID-19.
Speaking on the occasion, Asad Umar said that there was a need to devise a new strategy and planning to prepare for the new situation post 9 May easing of restrictions.
Asad Umar directed all the ministers and quarters concerned to come up with draft plans aimed to deal with the future scenarios as ease in the lockdown is likely to increase pressure on the healthcare system and administration, and which is likely to persist till June and July.
The meeting was attended by the Minister for Interior Brigadier (retd) Ejaz Ahmed Shah, the Minister for Industries and Production Hammad Azhar, the Minister for National Food Security Syed Fakhar Imam, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Commerce Textile and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person on COVID-19 and others.
