Response strategy to virus discussed

LAHORE:Punjab Planning and Development Board arranged a roundtable conference with International Development partners to discuss Punjab’s response strategy to Covid-19.

The panel included the representatives from Planning and Development Board, World Bank, GIZ Pakistan, Department For International Development, World Health Organisation, Asian Development Bank, European Union, USAID, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and Australian Aid. The board reviewed the economic stimulus, health and social protection strategies developed by P&D board as a part of economic stabilisation and bailout plan for Covid-19.

Chairman P&D Board Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh reviewed the economic outfall and actions taken by Punjab government in combating Covid-19. Addressing the panel, the chairman discussed the on-going efforts of the Punjab government to curtail the economic as well as health implications arising due to the global pandemic. He also discussed that the government has taken imperative measures to provide the best possible healthcare facilities for Covid-19 affected patients.

Secretary P&D Board Imran Sikandar Baloch briefed on the Punjab government’s fiscal and economic plan to combat the issue. He also discussed the government’s Covid-19 Development Response framework in the areas like health, governance, social protection, economic recovery and stabilization, risk communication, PFM and disaster risk financing.

The key agenda of the aforesaid is to get valuable inputs of the development partners on the strategies executed by Punjab government to deal with on-going crisis. The panel also responded and appreciated Punjab government efforts in response to Covid-19 in all areas, especially helping the vulnerable groups susceptible to the financial setback. The panel also extended a helping hand to the government in their fight against Covid-19 in Punjab.

Protective kits: PML-N leader and former Chairman of Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Dr Saeed Elahi distributed protective kits among the staff of Jinnah Hospital on Tuesday. While presenting protective gear to the doctors and medical staff in the presence of representatives of Young Doctors Association (YDA) and paramedics and nurses’ associations, he claimed federal and Punjab governments had not provided personal protective equipment (PPEs) to medics despite tall claims.