ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said on Friday that the coronavirus pandemic not only a challenge but also an opportunity for introspection, especially on health care spending and strengthening the overall response to such emergency situations.
The statement was made by the prime minister’s special adviser, Dr. Zafar Mirza, while addressing a virtual meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Steering Committee on Health to discuss the ongoing situation around the world that has been triggered by the spread of coronavirus.
“Emphasizing the importance of health security as a key component of national security, he underlined the need to develop health regulations at international level and a legal framework at national level to enhance investment in health care security infrastructure,” said an official handout circulated by the foreign office after the meeting.
He also emphasized that “the OIC should strengthen its capacity to cope with this unprecedented challenge by exploiting comparative advantage of member states in the development of pharmaceutical products, vaccines and PPE (Personal Protection Equipment). He also highlighted Pakistan’s comparative advantage in the health care sector.”
During the meeting, OIC Secretary General Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen urged the OIC member countries to take immediate and decisive measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. He also said that the OIC was prepared to utilize its resources to help the population of the Muslim.
“A joint statement was also issued at the end of the virtual meeting which, inter alia, called on the OIC countries to exchange more information, experiences and capabilities to combat COVID-19 pandemic,” the foreign office statement added.