Supreme Court for providing protective gear to healthcare staff

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued written orders for the previous day’s hearing of the coronavirus suo motu case, in which it had been stated that the personal protection equipment (PPE) and other necessary items should be provided to the healthcare workers.

Noting that the doctors and paramedical staff are at the frontlines in the fight against the coronavirus, the order said the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) had assured the court of completing the registration of 40,000 doctors.

The apex court also directed to share the details of the high-level (National Coordination Committee) government meeting, as the further hearing was adjourned till April 20.

During the Monday’s hearing, the order read, the attorney general said that all the available resources were being employed to tackle the situation, as the Supreme Court was also assured of consultations with the government on necessary legislation regarding coronavirus.

Similarly, the provinces gave assurances about taking the necessary steps while details were shared about manufacturing the PPE domestically.

Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Imran Khan was saddened by the Supreme Court’s remarks about federal cabinet’s performance with respect to the coronavirus containment measures, 24NewsHD reported while quoting sources.

According to the sources, Imran, who was chairing a cabinet meeting on Monday, sought details from the ministers about the proceedings in Supreme Court.

A five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed had earlier in the day had heard a suo motu case, during which the chief justice warned that they could order the removal of the adviser to PM on health, Dr Zafar Mirza, as his performance was dissatisfactory.

The chief justice said that the government team did not answer even a single question about the coronavirus and merely presented the statistics. “I asked five questions and not even a single one was answered.”

During the meeting, Imran said: “Instead of taking steps against the coronavirus outbreak, unfortunately, the Pakistan People’s Party-led Sindh government is doing politics.”

He directed the cabinet members to give a tough time to the PPP lawmakers.

The prime minister warned his cabinet members against commenting on the forensic report on sugar and wheat crises.

The meeting also discussed the opening of small industries and electronics industry during the lockdown.