LANDI KOTAL: The administration imparted training to over 900 health workers in coronavirus surveillance and protective measures to check the spread of the deadly virus in the district.

A statement, issued by the office of deputy commissioner on Wednesday, said that a comprehensive strategy was devised for effective protection against coronavirus under which 920 health workers were imparted necessary training apart from giving them protective gears including masks and gloves.

It said that surveillance of virus was also underway in the entire Khyber tribal district with special focus on local residents, who had recently returned from abroad.

“The 13-member health teams have so far completed screening of 250,000 people, mostly Afghans at Torkham border with the help of thermal guns,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, director health for tribal districts, Dr Niaz Afridi, has said that 40 insulation beds have been established at three hospitals in Khyber with 15 each in Landi Kotal and Jamrud and 10 more in Dogra hospital in Bara.

He said that one ventilator and four oxygen canisters were provided to district Headquarters hospital in Landi Kotal while an ambulance was permanently stationed at Torkham border and five ambulances were patrolling at the Peshawar-Torkham Highway to tackle any emergency.

“The federal health ministry has promised provision of two more ambulances for Torkham border where quarantine facility is also provided for keeping suspected coronavirus patients,” said Dr Niaz.

Published in Dawn, March 5th, 2020