Rs100 million approved to procure coronavirus testing kits

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah recently informed his cabinet about the purchase of 5,000 coronavirus testing kits and released Rs100 million for adopting preventive measures against the deadly virus in emergency situations. He was presiding over the cabinet meeting at CM House. The meeting was attended by all provincial ministers, advisers, chief secretary and the provincial secretaries.

CM Shah said when the first coronavirus case was diagnosed he convened a meeting and formed a task force. “I am holding regular meetings of the task force since then in which all the concerned people, including medical experts, airport and aviation authorities, Federal Investigation Agency, National Database and Registration Authority and World Health Organisation are on board,” he said.

CM Murad added so far 53 tests had been conducted, of them two tests turned positive. He disclosed isolation wards had been established in nine hospitals with 118 beds. Mr Shah added Indus Hospital and Aga Khan University Hospital were helping the provincial government a great deal.

“I have assigned Indus Hospital to look after the entire coronavirus issues right from conducting tests, keeping the patients in isolation and providing them treatment. The Sindh government has given them Rs100 million grant for the purchase of kits and other necessary equipment,” he said.

The cabinet approved the release of Rs100m to purchase 5,000 testing kits.

-MN Report