On the directives of PIC, info about funds allocation to fight COVID-19 were made public

ISLAMABAD: Acting on the directives of the Punjab Information Commission (PIC), the Primary & Secondary Healthcare Department of Punjab has proactively shared details with the public about funds allocation along with details of purchase and procurement for combating the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Earlier, the PIC had taken suo moto notice and ordered the Secretary Primary & Secondary Healthcare Department of Punjab to share information with the public through print and electronic media and website of the department about funds being allocated to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and expenses being incurred so far.

According to a press release issued by the Punjab Information Commission, the healthcare department had disclosed that Rs. 6,738.650 Million were allocated to combat the coronavirus pandemic in the province. It was revealed that 50 medical staff were infected with COVID-19 in Punjab. Moreover, eight coronavirus testing laboratories were established in Punjab with the total capacity of daily 129 sample testing.

In order to effectively implement the Right to Information law, the PIC has directed head of the institutions instead of PIOs to immediately share the requested information in all the 160 pending RTI Complaints despite the lockdown due to coronavirus pandemic.

Although personal hearing has been exempted during the lockdown, yet such hearings were conducted in about 15 important cases.