Will revoke licences of pvt healthcare providers if patients refused treatment: Health minister
Says it would be hard to contain Covid-19 spread if people continue to disobey government orders on physical distancing
Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque today said the government will be forced to revoke the licence of private healthcare service providers who refuse to treat patients during the coronavirus crisis.
"The matter is very disappointing. People are now in danger. If they refrain from treating patients in this crisis, the government will be forced to take tougher action, including cancelation of their licence in the future," he said.
The minister made the comments while visiting the ward dedicated for coronavirus-infected patients at Kurmitola General Hospital, according to a press release sent by Mayedul Islam Prodhan, public relations officer of the ministry.
Stressing the need for maintaining physical distancing, the minister said there is no alternative to fighting the virus but to do so unitedly.
He reiterated that people should not to go out of their residences and urged them to wear masks if they are forced to go out for emergencies.
Regarding people still gathering together on occasions, he said it was being done despite repeated requests against it.
People are even gathering on the roads after Friday prayers, he said, adding it was very unexpected at a time when countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran have banned going to mosques.
The minister added that it will be very difficult to contain the spread of coronavirus if people continue to disobey government directives.