Chinese doctors to join Pakistan's COVID-19 battle

KARACHI, Pakistan

China on Friday sent a group of doctors to join Pakistan in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

A team of Chinese doctors headed by Maj. Gen. Huang Qingzhen arrived in the capital of Islamabad. The doctors will train and assist Pakistani medical professionals for the next two months, said a statement from the Pakistan Army.

The team also brought another batch of medical supplies, and equipment on two special aircraft, the statement added.

"The Chinese doctors who have expertise in treating infectious diseases shall support Pakistan’s efforts in fighting against COVID-19 situation for the coming two months," it maintained.

Gen. Nadeem Raza, Pakistan’s chairman joint chiefs of staff committee, along with senior military officials welcomed the team on arrival in Pakistan.

"The Chinese support reaffirms that being Iron Brothers and all-weather friends, Pakistan and China have always helped each other in the time of need," the statement concluded.

Pakistan is currently facing an acute shortage of safety gears, testing kits, and ventilators, with doctors warning that the country’s health system would not be able to cope with the increasing cases in the coming days.

The country's top female doctors on Friday cautioned that the existing health system was already overburdened, and was not in a position to deliver if the authorities failed to ensure the implementation of safety, and precautionary measures.

"We appeal to the people to stay at home because the situation is very serious," said Dr. Nusrat Shah, a gynecologist working at the Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi, at a news conference.

"We don't have the required number of testing kits. I appeal to the whole nation to stay at home. This is the only way we can avoid [being infected by] the coronavirus,” said Dr. Razia Korejo, another senior health professional.