ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will receive a grant of US$588 million from international financial institutions for tackling the spread of coronavirus that has claimed a life and infected over 250 people across the country, ARY NEWS reported.
The announcement was made during a meeting of Planning Commission chaired by its Deputy Chairman Jahanzeb Khan.
The World Bank has announced a grant of US$ 238 million while the Asian Development Bank would provide US$350 million for supporting preventive measures to be taken across the country, the meeting was told.
The meeting also approved the ‘Pakistan National Emergency Plan’ under which funds would be earmarked for the establishment of isolation centres across the country to deal with the virus outbreak.
A comprehensive strategy would be developed to monitor the coronavirus-related situation round the clock.
Ventilators and other extra machinery and items will be supplied across the country, the meeting decided along with the provision of preventive gear required for health teams and medics treating the patients.
Read More: First coronavirus death confirmed in Pakistan
It is pertinent to mention here that Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has predicted on Tuesday that the novel coronavirus will destroy the economy of the developing countries.
In an interview with the foreign news agency, PM Khan said that rich countries should waive off the loans of poor countries in order to curb the prevention of coronavirus.
“In case we get swamped by this virus, our health facilities will not be able to cope with it and,” he added.
He also urged the United States to lift sanctions over Iran as they are in a terrible state due to coronavirus and the sanctions have already impoverished Tehran.
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