Info Minister urges private hospitals to stand by people

Awami League (AL) Joint General Secretary and Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Saturday urged the owners and practitioners of private hospitals across the country to stand by the people during the ongoing catastrophe triggered by the global pandemic COVID-19.

“We have come to know that in many cases, helpless patients have been forced to travel from one hospital to another for treatment, which can never be accepted… I hope those who operate private medical hospitals and clinics will stand by the people in this crisis time,” he said.

The information minister came up with the remarks while distributing antiseptic soaps, hand sanitizers and masks among leaders of private radio station owners’ association, Bangladesh Newspapers Council and Television Drama Directors’ Guild, and Personal Protection Equipment (PPEs) among the doctors of National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) at AL president’s Dhanmondi political office in the city in the afternoon.

AL’s Relief and Social Welfare Sub-Committee organized the medical equipment distribution programme while AL Relief and Social Welfare Secretary Sujit Ray Nandi, Deputy Office Secretary Sayem Khan, Federation of TV Professionals Organisation (FTPO) President Mamunur Rashid, Bangladesh Newspapers Council President Md Shah Jalal and Bangladesh Newspapers Workers’ Federation President Md Matiur Rahman Talukder were present on the occasion, among others.

Dr Hasan said the people as well as the nation hope that the owners and practitioners of private medical hospitals and clinics will ensure healthcare services for the people, adding that they should not remain away from the people.

Noting that any people contracted with general flu like snivel or cough does not mean that he or she is infected with COVID-19, he said even if he or she is a patient of coronavirus “we” should come forward to help him or her.

A large number of COVID-19 patients have recovered as many doctors and nurses gave treatment to them, the information minister said, adding the government is also monitoring who are showing irresponsibility despite of having medical facilities to serve the people.

Speaking about BNP, AL joint general secretary said, “We didn’t see BNP to stand beside the people except speaking on the media or distributing leaflets during this catastrophe situation. I think, it is BNP’s responsibility to stand by the people”.

Highlighting the government’s different initiatives to contain the COVID-19, Hasan said the government will take time-befitting measures to keep the wheel of the country’s economy rolling so that the country does not fall in economic crisis and predicted upcoming world recession due to the global pandemic coronavirus. _BSS


Dhaka/AKA