KARACHI: Sindh Governor Imran Ismail here on Thursday reviewed the necessary arrangements at the 1,200-bedded isolation centre established for coronavirus patients at Expo Centre Karachi.

The isolation centre was formally inaugurated by volunteers in the presence of the governor, Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho and others, said a spokesperson.

The governor reviewed the arrangements and facilities and appreciated the availability of essential medicines and equipment for the coronavirus patients.

The governor has played a significant role for the release of funds from the federal and provincial governments as well as for provision of medicines and installation of RO plant at the isolation centre.

The Pakistan Army has worked alongside the government to build this facility where only confirmed coronavirus patients will be treated while thousands of volunteers have enrolled themselves to serve at the centre.

Besides general isolation facility, ICU is also available at the centre.

Governor Ismail said: “The purpose of formal opening of this centre by the volunteers is to acknowledge their services. The medical staff and volunteers are the front line force in the war against the corona virus.” Imran Ismail also praised the spirit of the Pakistan Army for contribution in establishing the isolation centre.

The Sindh governor said that the field isolation centre would be operational till the complete elimination of the coronavirus from the country. The cooperation of federal and provincial governments, Pakistan Army, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and other organizations in the fight against corona virus is exemplary,” he observed. “The federal government is determined to fight corona with all its available resources and full force.”

He said “welfare organizations and donors will have to come forward to keep the Field Isolation Centre fully functional.”

Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2020