Survey of coronavirus-tested people launched across Pakistan - Press Release issued by Pakistan Islamic Medical Association.

Islamabad -- July 09, 2020 (PPI-OT)

Following is the text of press release issued by Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA)

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Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA), National Institute of Health (NIH) and Health Research Advisory Board (HealthRab) have jointly launched a national survey of people tested for the coronavirus in Pakistan aimed to build "confirmative database" of the pandemic in the country, leading to immediate and drastic measures while helping the decision-makers to devise their strategy in line with trends and numbers.

The announcement of the launch came during a press conference, which was addressed by leading health professionals and senior medical scientists included Prof. Abdul Basit; Vice Chairman HealthRab and Dr. Zakiuddin Ahmed, General Secretary HealthRab. Prof. Muhammad Afzal Mian; President PIMA, National Focal Person at NIH; Dr. Mumtaz Ali Khan, ex, President PIMA Women Wing; Prof. Amtullah Zareen and Incharge PIMA CME Department Dr. Naveed Butt also addressed the conference through video link from different cities of the country.

Experts said the survey of Covid-19 tested people would help understand symptomology of the viral disease in relation to age, gender, and comorbidities. It would also bring the course of the disease with its implications into the knowledge of healthcare professionals while highlighting the psychological impact of the disease on various age groups. "In addition to that, we would also like to ascertain the psychological impact of the disease on various age groups and the ultimate outcomes of the disease.

Dr Zakiuddin Ahmed of HealthRab said that around the world and mostly in the developed countries, we have seen that the numbers, data and consistent research on the virus helped them in devising their strategy which proved successful. We are making the same effort here to gather the numbers, build the strong and authentic database and then help our policymakers to go for the decision in line with the existing trend.

He further told that around 2200 people who have been tested for COVID-19 would be interviewed...