COVID Watch | 22nd April 2020

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COVID Watch

Federal Health Regulator

Post for health regulator Islamabad made by parliament in 2018 is still vacant due to no budget or office space. Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority would have helped battle the virus if it had been working.

Drugs Shortage

National Con­trol Lab not certifying life-saving drugs (vaccines and insulin) as the chief post is vacant. This may lead to a shortage of key products next week and the situation may get critical for patients.

Balochistan Lock-Down

Lockdown in Balochistan will continue till May 5 as per notification issued by Home & Tribal Affairs Dept. Balochistan govt extended the lockdown for 2 weeks as more COVID-19 cases are being reported every day.

Bill Installments

K-El­ectric allowed single-phase residential customers consuming up to 300 units to pay their electricity bills in installments. Selected consumers can now pay their electricity bills for March, April, and May in 3 equal monthly installments payable till November 2020.

Regular Patients

Private hospitals in Sindh are denying admission & treatment to patients with non-transmittable diseases. The focus on COVID-19 has pushed health system to its limits as state hospitals have their OPDs closed

Doctors Demand Review

Health experts & medical scientists wrote a letter to the government and clerics to “review” their decision of holding congregational prayers. It is almost impossible for ulema & mosque management to follow the social distancing SOPs: Letter by doctors.