How Pakistan controlled COVID-19 spread? Successful Covid-19 Management Approaches used by Pakistan government | Achievements of PTI government

 

How Pakistan controlled COVID-19 spread successfully, Achievements of PTI government

Pakistan controlled COVID-19 spread successfully despite its weak healthcare system. Pakistan is among those countries that spend lesser portions of  their GDPs in healthcare systems. Even before the COVID-19, most of the public hospitals were overcrowded and understaffed in Pakistan. Although hotter weather in the region may also be a contributing factor, the spread of the virus in other countries of the region indicate that there is definitely something that Pakistan implemented differently. This article is aimed at discussing some of the approaches, used by PTI government, that are probably the reason for successful management of coronavirus spread in Pakistan.

1. Smart Lockdown Approach

The smart lockdown strategy of Pakistan government has been acknowledged at many world forums including WHO. This approach focussed at maintaining a balance between livelihood and lives of people. This strategy allowed economic activities by ensuring standard operating procedures. The basic purpose of introducing such a strategy was to protect the people, especially the daily wagers, from the worst economic consequences of coronavirus in a country where millions of people are already living below the poverty line.

Although people suffered economic losses during the pandemic, this approach helped avoid the disastrous economic impacts. Moreover, the virus spread was also limited by the successful implementation of this strategy. It is also evident from the data where over 6800 coronavirus cases were reported out of 29,500 tested people on 13^th of June 2020 (the highest score in the country). Whereas, the number of new cases on a particular day reduced to 426 out of 23000 tested people on the 9^th of September 2020 (Government of Pakistan) .

This strategy also followed partial lockdowns where densely populated city Lahore saw partial restrictions rather than imposing restrictions in the whole city. Similarly, hotspots were identified in cities like Peshawar and Karachi. These spots were isolated with renewed social-distancing measures. The city of Islamabad also adopted similar measures after the identification of hotspots. Security agencies ensured the isolation of hotspots, and implementation of SOPs in the other areas where level of restrictions was lower.

Smart lockdown strategy benefited the local businesses. The government also announced packages for effected businesses, provided relief in payment of utility bills, and released refunds to support local industry. Economic package, particularly for the export and construction sector, helped boost the economic activities in the country despite the presence of coronavirus.

 

2. Micro-smart Lockdown approach

Another approach used by the Punjab government was the introduction of micro-smart lockdown in different areas of the province to prevent the resurgence of coronavirus. Under this approach, even smaller localities like a single building with various units or smaller neighbourhoods were sealed. This approach was implemented at the level of streets as per the instructions of the federal government.

 

3. Managing congregational prayers and other gatherings.

Another issue faced by the government was to control public gatherings including congregational prayers. Public places like parks and big shopping malls were already closed. Government of Pakistan turned to Egypt for the sake of Islamic ruling or Fatwa on managing congregational prayers. These rulings helped manage the pressure of religious segments. As per this ruling, a limited number of attendants were allowed in the mosques. Secondly, it was also permitted, by considering the teachings of Islam under specific conditions, to follow social distancing measures even during congregational prayers.

These strategies have helped Pakistan control the spread of the virus at large scale. But, coronavirus is still not eliminated completely from the country. The second wave of coronavirus is also expected in the coming winter season. Although only a few thousand active cases are left in Pakistan, complete elimination of virus from the country depends on the consistency of government policies and attitude of the general public towards the SOPs implemented by the government.