STAFF REPORTER
ISLAMABAD President Dr Arif Alvi on Thursday issued a clarification after photos and videos of him wearing a N95 mask at a meeting sparked criticism among medical professionals who claimed that personal protective equipment (PPE) was being ‘misused’ by politicians. President Alvi wearing a N-95 mask had chaired a briefing session by the Punjab government regarding coronavirus at the Civil Secretariat in Lahore. He had also addressed the participants on the occasion. According to some, this was particularly problematic as the government has been convincing people that only health professionals deputed in quarantine centres and isolation wards should wear N-95 masks. Taking to Twitter Thursday, the president issued a clarification on the issue. ‘As a doctor, I am strongly aware of misuse and wastage. I was reusing the N-95 mask that was given to me in China.’ ‘Finally its strap broke yesterday so in next meeting at Wing Commander Nouman Akram Shaheed’s house, you see me wearing a regular public mask,’ the president said. ‘I hope my clarification finds equal billing.’ The president on Wednesday had paid a visit to the house of Wing Commander Nouman Akram, who was martyred in a crash last month. Amid widespread criticism of President Alvi, the Pakistan Medical Association had issued a statement that politicians and bureaucrats should not wear N95 masks. ‘The PMA has observed that protective items required for healthcare providers working for coronavirus.
