Islamabad, April 23, 2020 (PPI-OT): Pakistan has proposed greater coordination among health authorities of SAARC member states to effectively combat global pandemic of Coronavirus. The proposal was tabled by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Services Dr. Zafar Mirza while chairing the meeting of SAARC Health Ministers’ Conference on video today.
The special assistant suggested the activation of the SAARC Technical Committee on Health and Population Activities to control the coronavirus. Sharing Pakistan’s perspective, the minister underscored that South Asia is particularly vulnerable on account of its high population densities, fragile health systems and rudimentary disease surveillance.
Briefing the participants about the containment and relief measures being taken by Pakistan, he said the National Coordination Committee headed by Prime Minister Imran Khan is fully focused on implementing National Action Plan against Covid-19.
The meeting discussed issues, including real-time sharing of information and clinical data, capacity building and training of medical and paramedical staff, supply of medicines and medical equipment, research coordination and enhancing cooperation with frontline international organizations including the WHO. Proposals to fast-track creation of linkages among medical universities, academia and research institutions came under review.
The participants agreed to work together to adopt international best practices keeping in view the specific socio-economic circumstances of South Asia. It was agreed to enhance cooperation in the health sector, particularly in the context of efforts to combat the virus at the regional level. All heads of delegations presented their country situations and efforts to contain the outbreak at national levels.
For more information, contact:
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Government of Pakistan
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Email: info@moib.gov.pk
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