Govt Fully Ready to Tackle Coronavirus: Health Minister

In the midst of growing concern about the spread of novel coronavirus in various parts of the world and the discovery of three patients in Bangladesh, Minister of Health Zahid Maleque said the government is completely prepared to address the situation.

“The government has deployed medical teams in the country’s airports and land ports. Those coming from abroad are undergoing tests. The government of Bangladesh is alert about the situation,” he said in an interview with UNB.

In response to a query, the minister said Kuwait Bangladesh Friendship Government Hospital was held ready to provide treatment to patients diagnosed with coronavirus so the virus could not spread.

In addition, the minister said there are 20 intensive care units ready while quarantine wards are opened at each hospital across the country

“We’ll provide care to the infected people at hospitals following the measures taken in other parts of the world,” he said.

The minister announced that the government has provided the Chinese government with 500 packages. Besides, he said, the country also has a surplus of 2,000 sets, and a plan to import more is underway.

There are now eight devices in the country to track viral infection, the health minister said adding a treatment protocol was prepared to tackle the situation while the Chinese government issued their treatment protocol to Bangladesh.

“Doctors are being given training, while the deputy commissioners, superintendents of police and civil surgeons have been asked to remain alert. We’re monitoring the situation round the clock,” said the minister.

There is nothing to panic over the virus as the government has all the necessary preparations, he added.

The embassies stationed in Dhaka were ordered to keep a watchful eye on those arriving here from Italy, Iran, and Korea, the minister said adding that medical certificates must be given to the returnees.

Zahid Maleque also suggested people not to make unnecessary foreign trips abroad and to keep that limited.

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Asadul Islam reaffirmed the government preparations to tackle the coronavirus.

He said their ministry is in constant contact with the country’s civil surgeons. “If any suspected case is reported, then he/she will have to undergo tests on an emergency basis,” Asadul added.

Talking to UNB, director of Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) Prof Meerjady Sabrina Flora, said there is nothing to panic as precautionary measures have been taken as per the directive of the ministry.

For any suspected case of coronavirus, people have been advised to contact the Directorate General of Health Services control room through hotline numbers — 01937110011, 01937000911, 01927711784, 01927711785.

“Those who’re arriving here from abroad should stay in self- quarantine on their own,” she said.

Dr Meerjady urged people to avoid public gatherings and suggested them to stay indoors as much possible and follow the precautionary measures as instructed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

She said they do not think there will be an outbreak in the country but the government has given necessary instructions all officials concerned at each level.

The death toll from the coronavirus outbreak that began in China last year now climbed to 3,830 on Monday. According to the information of Worldometer, it has infected 110,071people globally, reports AP.

Besides, a total of 62,280 patients (94 percent of the total infected) made recovery.

The coronavirus COVID-19 is affecting 109 countries and territories around the world, including Bangladesh, and 1 international conveyance (the Diamond Princess cruise ship harbored in Yokohama, Japan).

On January 30, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a Global Public Health Emergency.

Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) on Sunday confirmed that three coronavirus-infected patients have been detected in Bangladesh.

Source: UNB