WHO hands over 15,000 testing kits, 15 machines to NDMA

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The World Health Organization (WHO) handed over 15,000 testing kits and 15 machines to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in the fight against coronavirus pandemic on Monday. Addressing the handover ceremony, NDMA Chairman Muhammad Afzal said that 37 laboratories are working across the country and 25 more laboratories will be made operational soon. “It is good news that the entire protective items except N-95 masks are being prepared in Pakistan,” he said. He said that the government had provided the required equipment to all the frontline doctors, nurses, and other officials working in 502 hospitals across the country. “Now we are ready to supply 100,000 PPEs to all hospitals every week.” The NDMA chairman asked the provincial governments to go for the carpet testing for those localities having coronavirus patients. “There are over 100 mobile laboratories, equipped with required machinery and can be sent to affected localities for screening and testing.” He hoped that they would have over 2,500 ventilators by end of this month. Speaking on the occasion, WHO Representative Dr Palitha Gunarathna Mahipala said that the world body has provided the equipment to support Pakistan's efforts in preventing spread of the coronavirus pandemic. He also lauded Prime Minister Imran Khan's efforts to control the pandemic.