Exemplary initiative by Gonoshasthaya Kendra
If our year-long struggle against Covid-19 has taught us anything, it is that a unique health crisis of this nature requires a unique response, unencumbered by the limitations of a past-bound mentality. Although Bangladesh's official response has not quite matched the crisis yet—despite over 757,000 cases and over 11,400 deaths—it is heartening to see that certain responsible sections of society are stepping up. We are talking about a recent initiative launched by Gonoshasthaya Kendra which, in the words of its visionary founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury, will bring hospital at the doorsteps of patients. It comes at a time when a surge in Covid-19 cases has meant that hospitals are overwhelmed, life-saving services are often expensive, inaccessible or unavailable, and ordinary people have little recourse because of movement restrictions imposed by the authorities.
Considering the situation, Gonoshasthaya Kendra has decided to treat coronavirus patients at their own homes by dispatching mobile medical teams in four areas of the capital: Dhanmondi, Kalabagan, Old Dhaka, and Mirpur. Two types of services will be provided through these home visits. Firstly, they will collect samples and carry out other necessary tests. And secondly, in case of Covid-19 patients, they will provide treatment. Covid-19 patients can be divided into four categories according to their symptoms: mild, tolerable, tolerable with comorbidities (diabetes, heart or kidney disease, stroke, asthma, etc.), and severe. The first three types of patients can be treated at home. Organisers behind the initiative say their ambulance visiting a Covid-19 patient's house will have an X-ray, ECG machine, a ventilator and other necessary equipment. The visiting team will charge no fees for their services, and will only charge about half the cost of other tests, including the Covid-19 test. In addition, the patient and their relatives will be trained by a nurse in the use of oxygen cylinders and pulse oximeters, so they can be better-prepared to take care of themselves.
This initiative, inspired by the principles of universal healthcare, offers a radical new direction in our fight against Covid-19. The fact that these services will be provided at reduced prices suggest the noble intention of the organisers. We hope other hospitals and health facilities—both public and private—will also come forward with similar initiatives to mitigate the sufferings of ordinary patients at this crucial juncture in our nation's history. The government can certainly replicate this model of treatment throughout the country, and it will help strengthen its response against this deadly virus.
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