LAHORE: “Due to rising number of cases, the facilities reserved for Covid-19 are being increased and the number of ventilators and beds are being enhanced, says Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid here on Saturday.

Addressing a meeting to review arrangements to treat the patients in Punjab’s hospitals at the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department, she said that like the first and second wave, “we will prevail in the third wave as well.”

All healthcare workers must serve patients with dedication. Except exams, other academic activities must be stopped immediately and online classes may continue.

All required resources for the patients must be provided. The vaccination of people over 60 years of age will continue and the testing capacities shall be scaled up. The number of beds has been increased in High Dependency Units and Isolation wards.

Additional Secretary Development Dr Asif Tufail will be the focal person for the enhancement in facilities. Routine treatment will continue as normal. Adequate resources are available in Punjab and “I urge people to take precautionary measures.”

Present in the meeting were Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Secretary Barrister Nabeel Awan, Secretary Health South Punjab Ajmal Bhatti, Additional Secretary Development Dr Asif Tufail, Fatima Jinnah Medical University Vice Chancellor Prof Amir Zaman Khan, Children Hospital Dean Prof Masood Sadiq, Ameeruddin Medical College Principal Prof Dr Sardar Alfareed, Prof Farid from Mayo Hospital, Prof Dr Rashid Zia, Mayo Hospital MS Dr Iftikhar, Jinnah Hospital MS Dr Yahya Sultan, Ganga Ram Hospital MS Dr Ehtasham-ul-Haq, Prof Dr Tayyaba Wasim and Prof Dr Salim.

The VCs and principals joined via video link. Additional Secretary Development Dr Asif Tufail presented details of arrangements made at hospitals. SHME Department Secretary Barrister Nabeel Awan said the administrative department was constantly in touch with the hospitals.

Published in Dawn, March 14th, 2021