Islamabad: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced its decision to provide an additional USD 305 million to Pakistan in a bid to support its COVID-19 relief measures amid the going lockdown, a news source reported.
The funds would be utilised to procure personal protective equipment (PPE), establish health centres, and train medics to deal with COVID-19 patients. To this effect, the Ministry of Planning conducted a Concept Clearance Committee meeting. Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Muhammad Jahanzeb Khan and ADB Country Director for Pakistan Xiaohong Yang were present at the occasion.
The ADB would provide USD 105 million to make preparations for emergencies, while USD 200 million would be given for the social protection of the vulnerable and poor. It was informed that the funds would be used to stockpile health inventories and stores and prepare the public health sector for an unexpected surge in COVID-19 patients. Moreover, existing health facilities would be upgraded and the health management system would be strengthened.
