LAHORE: The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) said on Monday that it is imperative for the government to immediately develop ‘a cost-effective quarantine policy’ in order to avert the crisis caused by coronavirus.
Talking to this scribe, PIDE Vice-Chancellor Dr Nadeemul Haque opined that the current policy “treats people like convicts and gives them no choice or counselling”.
He said the people must be assured that they will be looked after, and that they should be allowed to have choices. “Those who can afford should be allowed to choose/set up their own quarantine facilities.”
In its Covid-19 bulletin, prepared by economists Dr Nadeemul Haque, Ghulam Samad, Durr-e-Nayab and Rabbia Mir, PIDE has suggested the government to ensure that the infected remained separated while their properties were taken care of through effective monitoring.
“The government must not put a burden on the system with people who can afford to pay. However, self-quarantine should be adequately regulated, monitored and sanctioned.”
The economists said that hostels and private hospitals should be encouraged to set up quarantine centres for those who can pay, adding that this would also keep some businesses going.
They said mass quarantine facilities should have an appropriate hygienic environment, including complete provision of washrooms, meal boxes, nurses and paramedical staff, and hygienic sanitation.
As per the experts, the government could utilise educational institutions, sports’ stadiums, forts and expo centres as quarantines across the country with minimal resources base.
They suggested the government maintain cultural sensitivity in managing quarantines, especially those linked to females, by providing female staff and honouring their desire for segregation.
“Involvement of private contractors and owners could also help contain the cost.”
The economists feared that if poorly managed, the policy would neither remain cost-effective nor would it be able to contain the pandemic.
They called for effective coordination among government institutions, as that could expedite policy implementations.
The economists recommended the government to involve law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in maintaining the protocol of the quarantines and to ensure strict monitoring. They also stressed the need for coordinated awareness by engaging businesses, politicians and public at all levels.
“Covid-19 has virtually shut down the world. Pakistan has been slow in response but seems to be catching up as Covid-19 spreads in the country.”
