Chandigarh, March 22 (IANS): Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal and his Union minister wife Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Sunday urged all MPs to release MPLAD funds needed by hospitals for purchase of medical equipment to gear up for the battle against coronavirus.

They said all hospitals in their constituencies of Ferozepur and Bathinda could avail of funds from them for this purpose.

In a joint statement here, Sukhbir and Harsimrat said as per reports coming in there was a shortage of medical equipment and testing kits needed by government hospitals.

They said the district administration could tie up with the hospitals and money needed for the specialized equipment would be released by them from their MPLAD funds.

Both MPs also appealed to all other parliamentarians in Punjab and across the country to do their bit to fight the pandemic by committing much needed funds to government hospitals at the earliest.

"All other elected representatives and the public at large should also assist in this task. We should initiate this relief effort immediately. We should be geared up for every eventuality," a statement by them said.

They also appealed to the Shriomani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to assist in this task by distributing masks and sanitizers.

The SAD President also urged the people in the state to obey all the instructions and observe complete lockdown till March 31 as directed.

He urged Akali workers and volunteers to assist the state government in its time of need and create awareness of the need for a voluntary lockdown among the people.

"Special care should be taken to ensure the elderly are specially insulated," he added.