ISLAMABAD: Stakeholders of the health sector on Thursday gathered at Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) to pay tribute to Covid-19 frontline warriors, who have been battling the pandemic in different capacities while risking their lives.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr Faisal Sultan, while addressing participants, said Covid-19 came as a gigantic challenge to the nation and the entire international community was watching as to how the government and people of Pakistan would be able to cope with the challenge.

“There were doubts and suspicions about the nation’s ability and capacity to fight the pandemic but a coherent and well-coordinated response helped us effectively contain it,” he said.

PRCS Chairman Abrar ul Haq said the entire nation from a low ranking health worker to the prime minister stood like bulwark against the pandemic and managed to overcome it to a great extent.

He said PM Khan had worked hard to fight spread of the disease in the country, adding:“It is a matter of pride for the nation that the international community sought our input on how we managed to handle the pandemic that had failed them. I request Dr Sultan to also issue health cards to the PRCS staff and volunteers engaged in the fight against the pandemic.”

Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat thanked frontline workers who ventured out to distribute cooked food among deserving families while also creating awareness about the disease among people and educating them about safety measures they can take to protect themselves and their families.

He said the event was arranged to celebrate the efforts of these workers and make it known to them that the nation was not taking them for granted rather recognising and eulogising their indefatigable war against the pandemic.

All those engaged in this war are real heroes and the nation paid them a tribute befitting their contribution, he said and lauded PRCS for detailing ambulances which helped save precious human lives.

On the occasion, a video was played showcasing the healthcare warriors’ efforts against the pandemic. The other video pertained to the voluntary services rendered by PRCS.

At the end of ceremony, Dr Faisal Sultan and Abrar ul Haq awarded mementos and distributed certificates among the individuals in recognition of their extraordinary services.

Published in Dawn, January 8th, 2021