Background: The Punjab Minister for Primary and Secondary Health was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, and has been fighting the illness since then. She had undergone successful surgery for the disease at Shaukat Khanum Lahore in December 2020. She has been going through phases of chemotherapy since then.
Efforts: The Punjab Health Minister has been working tirelessly in managing the COVID-19 crisis on the health and administrative level, working day and night to procure vaccines, administer the set up and operations of vaccination centers, monitor daily statistics, and developing rapidly changing frameworks everyday to manage the curb of the virus.
Starting tomorrow, in sha Allah, registrations to open for 40 plus age citizens while walk in vaccination of all registered citizens of 50 plus age group.#PunjabCovidVaccinations
— Dr. Yasmin Rashid (@Dr_YasminRashid) April 26, 2021
The Health Minister has reviewed the capacity of our system in preparation for the peak of the virus, arranging the availability of beds for COVID-19 patients. She oversaw a presentation on availability of beds, oxygenated beds and other facilities.
Dr. Yasmin Rashid a brave Lady fighting with cancer with in her body and against #COVID19 in field May God success her in the both front @Dr_YasminRashid pic.twitter.com/bovUzjMeKF
— Sardar Riaz ul haq (PTI) (@sriazulhaq) April 29, 2021
‘All directions of the NCOC ate being monitored and all SOPs are being implemented. We are constantly in touch with the NDMA for ventilators,” the minister added. “Oxygen stock and supply are adequate. I request people to use masks. All required facilities for Corona patients are available at public sector hospitals. The vaccination process is underway as per target in Punjab’, the Health Minister said.
Despite her cancer treatment, you will see Dr Yasmin Rashid working day and night to deal with emergency situations during corona. Praying for your swift recovery Dr Sahiba pic.twitter.com/KJzyMPLUi9
— Nighat Dad (@nighatdad) April 25, 2021
Praise: Pictures emerged on Twitter signifying the effect of the chemo on the minister. The Health Minister was seen to lose all of her body hair due to the chemotherapy while she was in a COVID-19 management specific meeting. Twitter rushed to praise the resilience of the Minister.
Dr Yasmin Rashid is the unsung hero of Pakistan. A role model for politicians, ministers and doctors. Yasmin saheba's dedication to her work is a reiteration of the noble concept of truly serving the people. May Allah bless her with good health. Yasmin saheba, may you alway shine
— Mehr Tarar (@MehrTarar) April 25, 2021
Tones of people wished her well, praised her spirit and applauded her efforts despite her condition and not letting the country’s priorities be second in such a difficult time.