Minister asks people to understand seriousness of situation

LAHORE:Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid has said that the decision of lockdown was made under unavoidable circumstances.

In her message, she said, “In order to stop the spread of the virus, it is important that we stop virus transmission, which is only possible when people stay at home.” She appealed to the people to understand the seriousness of the situation.

“Please do not expose yourself to the virus and help us by staying indoors. Stay at home and adopt social distancing till the crisis is over,” she asked the people. The decision about the lockdown was made to save people from the virus which had caused thousands of deaths globally, she said.

Acknowledging the services of doctors and paramedical staff, the minister said that doctors and paramedical staff were the frontline force and they were doing their best to save lives in hospitals. She said, “Dr Osama is a martyr and deserves our prayers and tributes for immense service to t he humanity. He is a real hero.”

She requested the philanthropists to come forward and help the deserving people in the hour of need. Dr Yasmin Rashid said that all confirmed and suspected patients were being looked after by the government.

Telemedicine service at LGH: Postgraduate Medical Institute (PGMI) Principal Prof Dr Al-fareed Zafar has said in the present situation telemedicine service in hospitals is the need of the hour. The government has taken timely steps in this regard to protect the health of people as the residents are benefiting more and more in remote areas without wasting any time and money.

He expressed these views while discussing the telemedicine service and online medical facility at Lahore General Hospital here on Wednesday.Medical Superintendent Dr Mahmood Salahuddin, Director Emergency Dr. Rana Mohammad Shafiq and Director OPD Dr Abdul Razzaq, besides senior doctors were present. Professor Al-fareed Zafar while guiding patients on Skype said that medical services are being provided to patients in eight major departments of LGH from 8am to 8pm.

He added consultants are providing consultancy to the patients including corona and other diseases. The principal said that in the context of the current situation, the use of modern technology has become inevitable and in the future also the telemedicine system needs to be made permanent so that the increasing rush at teaching hospitals can be reduced.