Bangladesh Increasing Coronavirus Testing Capacity: Quader

Secretary-General of the Awami League, Obaidul Quader, said on Friday that 29 centers across Bangladesh are performing coronavirus tests and called for concerted measures to resolve the ongoing crisis.

"Our test capability has expanded and we have added private hospitals," he said at a briefing conducted at his residence.

Bangladesh reported coronavirus infections increased to 8.231 on Friday, as the health authorities declared the discovery of 571 new cases in the last 24 hours. So far, 170 deaths have been reported in the world.

Bangladesh declared its first cases on 8 March and its first death on 18 March.

Quader, also Minister of Health, said the coronavirus pandemic highlighted the shortcomings of the health system. "We have resolved our limits by concentrated actions," he added, adding that there is no path to solidarity at this moment of crisis.

He expressed gratitude to the frontline fighters in the war against coronavirus.

The Bangladesh Doctors Foundation (BDF) said on Thursday that 475 doctors have so far been diagnosed with coronavirus in both government and private hospitals. Among all, 316 come from government hospitals.

BDF said that as of Thursday, 343 doctors had been affected by the Dhaka Division alone.

Quader said the government finds the health of doctors and medical personnel to be a priority.

"We have no reason to lose confidence because we have a courageous and truthful leader like [Prime Minister], Sheik Hasina. We will resolve this circumstance by working together, "said the leader of Awami League.

Source: UNB