PM hopes to avoid further spread of COVID-19 incoming winter
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday expressed her firm optimism to prevent further spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Bangladesh in the upcoming winter and asked the physicians to continue to serve the humanity through the pandemic, reports BSS.
"We're hopeful that people can contain further spread of the condition in the coming days," she said while inaugurating "The First International E-Conference on Critical Care-2020" almost as the principal guest.
The conference, organized by the Bangladesh Society of Anaesthesiologists (BSA), has been held at the same time when the world is reeling under the COVID-19 pandemic fallout.
"Our efforts and the hard work of the physicians and health workers could support the spread of the deadly virus in Bangladesh," Sheikh Hasina said.
The premier thought to face the COVID-19 emergency, the federal government has appointed 2,000 doctors and 5,000 nurses on an urgent basis.
"Up to now, we are fortunate that both infection and mortality rates of the condition are very low in Bangladesh," she said.
Sheikh Hasina said the work of a physician is a noble profession, and by treating an ailing human being, they serve humanity. "So, when you become a health care provider, your first and foremost task is to serve humanity. I am hoping that you would remember your duty in any circumstance," she said.
The premier said the anaesthesiologists play a crucial role in the management of critically ill patients aside from their work in the operation theatres.
Anaesthesiology, she said, a medical specialty worried about the full total preoperative care of patients before, after, and during surgery, gets increased attention everywhere.
The premier said simply because it covers anesthesia, intensive care medicine, critical emergency medicine, and pain medicine. Bangladesh is no exception, she added.
"We duly recognize their contribution. I'd like to urge them to equip themselves with updated knowledge and technical know-how to cope with critically ill patients," she said.
Sheikh Hasina said the country’s anaesthesiologists have already been rendering an excellent job in this pandemic by managing the COVID-19 patients in the ICUs and outside.
“Bangladesh Society of Anaesthesiologists helped the government prepare 'The National Guideline for COVID ICU Management', she said.
The premier mentioned that the BSA also organized new ICU facilities from coast to coast and trained up ICU doctors and staff to manage the COVID-19 patients.
She said a great number of physicians, including some anaesthesiologists, died of COVID-19 while discharging their duties.
"I'd like to pay my deep homage with their memories and extend sympathies to the family," she said.
Sheikh Hasina said her government has given utmost importance to increase the country’s healthcare service since it truly believes that getting healthcare is the basic rights of a citizen.
"We have widened the procedure facilities at the government hospitals by adding additional beds, recruiting doctors and other health staff," she said.
The premier said the federal government has also set up numerous new specialized hospitals in the united states in the last year or two, while the vibrant private sector has also come up in a big way in this area.
Sheikh Hasina said about 18 thousand community clinics and Union Health Centres, create by the government, have already been providing primary healthcare services to the rural people. "The patients are receiving 30 types of medicines cost-free," she said.
The premier congratulated the past and present office-bearers of the World Federation of Society of Anaesthesiologists(WFSA), and faculties from home and abroad for joining the conference.
"I also hope that you all would be benefitted by exchanging your knowledge and experiences," she said.
