CHITRAL: The district administration has set up five points to carry out screening of the suspected coronavirus patients entering the Chitral district from Afghanistan and other parts of the country.

Lower Chitral deputy commissioner Naveed Ahmed told Dawn that the passengers entering the district through Lowari Pass would be screened at basic health unit Ashrait, that of Arandu border with Afghanistan at BHU Arandu, of Arsoon border at the tehsil headquarters hospital, Drosh, and the passengers coming by air would be screened at the district headquarters hospital.

He said the screening of only those passengers would be carried out who showed one of the symptoms of COVID-19, which included high temperature, cough and flu.

Mr Ahmed said unnecessary public gatherings and travel to other districts without any cogent reason should be avoided.

Meanwhile, Upper Chitral deputy commissioner Shah Saud said the passengers entering the district through Shandur Pass would also be screened at a public health facility in Mastuj.

HELPLINE: A helpline has been set up at the Chitral deputy commissioner’s office to provide counseling to the distressed women with a view to curbing suicidal tendency among them.

The measure has been taken as part of a memorandum of understanding signed between deputy commissioner Naveed Ahmed and regional head of Aga Khan Health Service Pakistan, Mirajuddin, here.

On the occasion, Mr Ahmed said the helpline manned by women staff would remain operational 24/7. He said the distressed women could frankly and openly discuss their matters will full privacy with the staff.

He said the rising tendency of suicides among women necessitated the setting up of the helpline to help them start a normal life.

Published in Dawn, March 15th, 2020