Insaf Imdad Package: PM enhances amount of financial aid to Rs 12,000

In the wake of growing coronavirus pandemic and deteriorating financial condition of people, Prime Minister Imran Khan has granted approval to enhance financial assistance amount from Rs 4,000 to Rs 12,000 for Punjab government's "Insaf Imdad Package" in order to provide relief to 2.5 million deserving people.
A Punjab government spokesperson said the premier took this decision on the request of Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar. He said the Punjab government has, so far, identified 2.5 million deserving people in the province, who will get financial aid under the "Insaf Imdad Package" and each deserving person would not now get Rs 12,000.
He said both the federal government and Punjab governments are striving to provide financial relief to the needy people under federal government's 'Ehsaas Programme' and Punjab government's 'Insaf Imdad Package'.
"Under these programmes, a joint financial assistance payment will be made to the deserving families," he said, adding that the deserving persons will be lump sum paid Rs 12000 after going through verification process of their documents.
He further said that the needy people can submit their applications by 7th April. Those who have already submitted their applications need not to resubmit it again, he added.
"Both the federal government and Punjab governments are on the same page in order to extend all out helping to the masses being afflicted by difficulties. PM Imran khan is fully ambitious and enthusiastic to extend all possible help to coronavirus affected people owing to prevailing lockdown," he said, quoting CM Buzdar.
Meanwhile, a delegation of Chinese doctors and specialists led by Punjab Health Minister Yasmeen Rashid called on Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar at his office on Sunday and discussed strategies to promote mutual cooperation and increasing joint efforts in order to cope up with the coronavirus pandemic.
According to a statement, the Chinese doctors expressed their satisfaction over the SOPs adopted by the Punjab government with regard to undertaking precautionary measures and treatment at state-run facilities. During the meeting, the Chinese doctors and chief nurse shared their observations and experiences on how to check the rapid spread of the virus and how to contain this pandemic.
They also assured the government of extending all possible assistance for the prevention and eradication of this pandemic.
CM Usman Buzdar and Health Minister Dr Yasmeen Rashid inquired from Chinese doctors about various matters relating to the virus. "We will fully act upon the suggestions and recommendations of the Chinese doctors in this regard," Buzdar told the meeting.
"Only a true friend comes to the aid and assistance in hour of trial and tribulation and China has once again proved that it will always steadfastly stand by us. We deeply appreciate the cooperation and assistance of China to effectively deal with this pandemic," added the CM.
Meanwhile, Chinese Doctor Maming Hoi apprised that the possibility of spreading coronavirus in hot weather cannot be ruled out and ignored. The Chinese delegation advised to strictly follow social distancing through which many people can be saved.
They also suggested observing lockdown for another 28 days and cautiously easing restriction after that period by taking into account prevailing conditions. "It would be more appropriate to shift Covid-19 positive patients in hospitals or at quarantine centres instead of keeping them at homes," they added. In order to save lives of the patients, the use of plasma has proved beneficial in highly adverse conditions and the use of three anti-viral medicines has also been proved curative and effective, the maintained.
They cautioned that at times coronavirus symptoms do not appear and people having better immune system and immunity recover early while coronavirus can prove to be dangerous for aged people and for those suffering from other ailments. On this occasion, Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Secretary also gave a detailed briefing about the exact numbers and statistics of the patients across the province.
Doctor Maming Hoi from Urumqi province China led the delegation of the Chinese doctors and specialists. Provincial Health Minister Dr Yasmeen Rashid, Chief Secretary, Provincial Secretaries Health, Information and other high officials were also present in the meeting.