Doctors, paramedics playing role of 'frontline soldiers' in COVID-19 crisis.

LAHORE -- Globally, since the outbreak of COVID-19, doctors and paramedics have been playing a leading role as 'frontline soldiers' while serving humanity against the deadly virus.

The nation has time and again paid rich tribute to them for their unflinching commitment and devotion to their profession to save precious human lives. Their role was acknowledged and they were termed as 'frontline heroes' in fight against the coronavirus.

Across the globe due to surge of coronavirus cases, the medical professionals are being faced with numerous challenges. Other than taking risk for their lives in line of their duties, they are also facing tough psychological conditions and mental stress due to the ongoing situation of COVID-19 crisis.

According to World Health Organization (WHO) situation report, in Pakistan, so far 509 doctors, nurses and healthcare workers had been affected by the novel coronavirus. Likewise, the healthcare professionals are still witnessing intensified situation in hospitals and medical units.

Acknowledging the services of doctors' community amid the coronavirus spread, the Prime Minister Imran khan has approved Rs. 784 million supplementary grants to provide them allowances.

According to a notification of Ministry of Health Services, Regulation and coordination, initially this grant is for the doctors working in four hospitals of the federal capital. The grant would be distributed among the doctors and hospitals which included Rs 438,428 million for PIMS, Rs266.511 million for federal Government Poly Clinic, Rs38.512 million for NIRM and Rs40.549 million for Federal Government Hospital (FGH).

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on National Health Services Dr Zafar Mirza had also launched an online 'Yaran-e-Watan', initiative for overseas Pakistani health professionals and experts to invite them to become a part of the national fight against COVID-19.

Yaran-e-Watan platform would help enable Pakistani medical professionals contributing to the country's fight against corona pandemic, he said during the launching of the initiative. 'All health experts can register themselves on the website yaranewatan.gov.pk,' Zafar Mirza said.

Following the government instructions, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has provided the fourth consignment of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) kits to the doctors and paramedics across the country.

Likewise, a working group consisting of local and international experts...