63 noted citizens slam govt’s lack of preparedness
Eminent personalities yesterday opined that the failure of the government in keeping recently-returned expatriates from Covid-19 affected countries in quarantine proves that the lack of coordination and preparation could push the country towards grave danger.
There is not nearly enough preparedness, coordination, testing kits and management, protection for doctors, masks, sanitisers and ventilators, said a written statement signed by 63 renowned personalities, adding that the number of infections that the government is providing lacks credibility, in the absence of testing mechanisms.
The signatories also raised 10 demands in an open letter to the prime minister yesterday.
"We're deeply concerned seeing the existing weakness in public health management, hospitals and treatment centres and lack of preparation," said the statement, adding that they are aggrieved, frustrated and worried over irresponsible comments and "untrue" statements of success over the issue.
However, responsible action of voluntary persons and organisations was their only ray of hope till now, the statement said, lamenting that "the government is not showing any interest to coordinate these initiatives."
"We want the government to adopt a master plan in coordination with experts, environmentalists, physicians, civil society members and ministries immediately to address the crisis," reads the letter.
To make the master plan work, they suggested to form a multi-functional working committee with civil society members' of different levels to look over the activities of the government.
It further urged the government to publish a white paper of its plans to contain the epidemic, allot funds for it on a priority basis and inform the public of it; ensure supply and management of coronavirus testing kits and other required materials free of cost; and implement strict monitoring at all entry points of the country, map location of potentially vulnerable groups and take region-based measures, and close down all tourist spots.
Its other suggestions include using hotels, resorts and other suitable establishments away from densely-populated areas for quarantine, and setting up temporary hospitals at stadiums, gymnasiums with the help of the army, and coordinate with private hospitals.
It also suggested supplying PPEs to doctors and nurses immediately; take measures to regularly disinfect hotspots of virus spreading including mass transports, jails and slums; ensure paid leaves of garment workers, enforce fair price of daily commodities, provide volunteers training and equipment to raise awareness and carry out preventive measures.
They have also asked the government to reveal its plan over containing dengue and chikungunya.
The signatories of the letter inslude: Prof Anu Muhammad, Prof Dr Geeti Ara Nasrin; Sultana Kamal, Shaheen Anam, Khushi Kabir, Shahidul Alam, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Rehnuma Ahmed, Ali Riaz, Badiul Alam Majumdar, Samina Luthfa, Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua, Fahmidul Haq among a number of university teachers and rights activists.
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