Fighting COVID-19: Rs620m allocated for new diagnostic labs.

LAHORE -- The Punjab government has released Rs620 million for the establishment of eight new diagnostic labs at the divisional level to speed up the testing process for coronavirus patients.

After inspecting a 1,000-bed makeshift field hospital for coronavirus patients at the Lahore Expo Centre on Wednesday, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar said: 'This 1,000-bed facility has been set up in a very short period by employing collective efforts. I visited this place nine days ago to inspect the arrangements and it is satisfying that the facility has become functional in such a short period. I congratulate all line departments and it is sanguine that necessary facilities have been arranged in this hospital.'

He highlighted that various people detained for violating Section 144 have been released and appealed citizens to stay in their homes and observe social distancing.

'Staying home is the best solution to avoid catching or spreading the coronavirus. It will help in containing the spread of disease and protect the lives of the people,' he emphasised. Buzdar also highlighted that the Chief Minister Insaf Imdaad Programme (CMIIP) has been launched from April 1 to help daily wagers and poor in this difficult time.

Army stands by nation to guard border between people and coronavirus: COAS

'The people will start receiving financial assistance from today (April 2) under the programme. Besides the PIIP, the government has also released Zakat funds worth Rs870 million to help the 170,000 deserving families,' he added.

He underlined that the government has adopted a very transparent and efficient procedure for provision of financial aid to poor. The government has allocated Rs10 billion coronavirus relief package under which financial assistance of Rs4,000 will be provided to 25,000 impecunious families.

The antecedents of the applicants will be verified today and hundreds of thousands of people will be provided aid immediately after verification.

He underscored that applicants would not have to visit any office and financial aid will be paid online after receiving the required information. The applicants can also lodge their complaints online, he mentioned.

The chief minister also highlighted that the doctors and nurses were being trained at the district level to perform duties in this emergency situation.

'Majority of coronavirus patients in Punjab and other provinces are pilgrims with travel history. Only 33 patients are in hospital who got...