Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Chairman Abrar ul Haq Tuesday announced to set up quick response units at all provincial branches of PRCS to help avert any possible spread of coronavirus in Pakistan.
Addressing a press conference at Karachi Press Club, he said outbreak of the virus in the neighboring country requires proper arrangements to meet the challenges associated with the outbreak. He said the PRCS in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the National Institute of Health is planning to launch training of its volunteers and first aid responders to cope with any eventuality. He said the PECS is engaging thousands of volunteers across country to raise awareness about the threat. “We are also in touch with the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) over the issue of Pakistani families and students stranded in China due to travel restrictions,” he said.
To a query, Abrar ul Haq agreed that panic must not be created, and said necessary arrangements are being made to combat any possible situation, with equal attention being paid towards public awareness against the ailment. Also acknowledging the fact that kits to diagnose the peculiar viral infection is not available in the country, he said the RCSC has been approached in this regard and required interventions will soon be made available. He said the RCSC has been requested to provide PRCS with diagnosis kits for screening of possible coronavirus patients.
Abrar ul Haq said the PRCS will strengthen its coordination with the Ministry of Health and mobilize specialized teams and personnel to conduct awareness sessions across the country. He said the PRCS will also conduct self-assessments and contingency planning to ensure provision of essential services. He said development of information education and communication (IEC) material for prevention and awareness about coronavirus is underway.
