ISLAMABAD: National Institute of Health (NIH) Executive Director (ED) Maj Gen Dr Aamer Ikram recently advised people not to panic and suggested that they should make their own masks by following the DIY (Do It Yourself) videos available on social media.
Dr Ikram said this while talking to the media regarding the confirmation of the first coronavirus patient at Pakistan Institute of Medial Sciences (PIMS). “There are isolation wards due to which virus cannot be transferred from one block/ ward to another. Moreover, doctors, nurses, sweepers and even drivers of the ambulances have been trained to deal with the suspected cases and patients,” he said.
Dr Aamer Ikram further told, “It is a fact that there is panic among residents of the twin cities… I got a number of calls in which people inquired whether it was alright for them to go watch Pakistan Super League match!”
NIH Excutive Director urged people to not panic even if they were unable to get masks. “Those who want to wear masks, at any cost, can make their own masks by following a number of videos available on social media,” he said.
Meanwhile, Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Hamza Shafgaat has imposed Section 144 to check overpricing of masks.
On the other hand, Pakistan Young Pharmacist Association has written a letter to the Supreme Court chief justice to take suo motu notice of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan’s (DRAP) decision of allowing export of respiratory masks.
Earlier, Drap had imposed a ban on export of masks and other equipment, but later five companies were allowed to export.
-DN Report
Dr Muattar Hanif
The author is Editor at Dental News Pakistan and can be reached at newsdesk@medicalnewsgroup.com.pk
