President Dr. Arif Alvi Wednesday visited National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) and lauded its role in tackling the novel coronavirus in the country.

President Alvi said that the timely and effective steps taken by the NCOC t to control the outbreak of the novel coronavirus were commendable.

He also presided over a meeting at the NCOC.  Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar briefed the meeting on situation arising out of COVID-19 in the country.

President was received by Lieutenant General Hamood Uz Zaman Khan National Coordinator NCOC. Apart from Federal Ministers including Federal Minister for National Food Security Fakhar Imam, Minister for Religious Affairs Pir Noor Ul Haq Qadri, Chairman NDMA Lieutenant General Muhammad Afzal and Surgeon General Lieutenant General Nigar Johar in presence, SAPM Health Dr Zafar Mirza and provincial chief secretaries attended the meeting via video link.

President was briefed by Federal Minister for planning, development & special initiative Asad Umar and Major General Asif Mehmood Goraya, DG Operations & Planning NCOC in detail on the COVID-19 related multi sectoral situation, implementation of NCC decisions, patterns of COVID-19 spread and excellent coordination mechanism established with the federating units

President was also briefed about the measures being taken for improvement in the healthcare system of the country to cope with the challenge, capacity building of the healthcare professionals, and increased availability of beds for the patients, uninterrupted availability of crucial medicines, use of digital technology for contact tracing and disease projection.

President lauded the efforts of NCOC team in putting up a robust response to the pandemic and ensuring coordinated actions across the country. From daily monitoring of the situation to the capacity enhancement of health system and from establishing a credible database to better resource management and formulation of appropriate SOPs, health safety protocols/guidelines, the NCOC led from the front in the fight against pandemic, stated the president.

Dr Alvi conveyed his appreciation to the nation for adhering health guidelines. While the disease is on the downward trajectory, sense of complacency needs to be avoided both by public and administration, The President emphasized.

He directed all provinces to ensure strict compliance of SOPs on Eid-ul-Azha and during the month of Muharram-ul-Haram along with encouraging public adherence to safety guidelines.