Murtaza Wahab disappointed at PM Imran for not addressing PPE, ventilator shortage

KARACHI: Sindh government spokesperson Murtaza Wahab on Monday expressed disappointment that Prime Minister Imran Khan failed to provide a roadmap to deal with the prevalent coronavirus crisis.

Senator Wahab’s statement came shortly after PM Imran addressed the nation and announced two measures — the setting up of "Corona Tigers Relief Force” and "Prime Minister Corona Relief Fund" — to deal with the pandemic.

In a tweet, the Sindh spokesperson said: “PM should have informed the nation about how he plans to control #COVIDー19.”

“Unfortunately, there was no mention of any such thing. More than corona tigers, our country needs vents & protective gear for medical staff,” Wahan added.

A day earlier, The News had reported that frontline healthcare workers face fear and extreme anxiety as many of them were compelled to work without personal protective equipment (PPE) but did not know if the patients they examine were infected or not.

The PPE includes N95 masks, Tyvek suits, gloves, face shields or masks, and goggles.

Tonnes of doctors, paramedics, and healthcare workers from various healthcare facilities across Karachi were told to quarantine themselves at homes, as well as some other facilities, after they came into contact with patients and doctors who later tested positive for COVID-19.

As cases grow across Pakistan and with less resources to cope with the pandemic, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had said Wednesday the province required an additional 5,000 ventilators to deal with a health emergency but that in the first phase, he was approving the purchase of 290 ventilators, which would be installed at different public health facilities.