Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced a Tk100 crore allocation for government physicians, nurses, and other health workers who are risking their lives to treat Covid-19 patients.
Addressing a televised speech to the nation on the eve of the Bangla New Year on Monday, the prime minster said she has instructed authorities concerned to prepare a list of healthcare workers who are directly working with coronavirus patients.
“They will receive special allowances. We have allocated Tk100 crore for them,” she said.
She also said that insurance facilities will be provided to all government health workers, administration officials, law enforcement agencies, and members of Bangladesh Army and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) along with other government employees who are operating at the frontlines of this ongoing pandemic.
"If anyone gets infected with coronavirus while performing their duty, they will receive health insurance benefits of Tk500,000 to Tk1,000,000 based on their position. However, in the event of death while attending Covid-19 patients, the insurance amount will then be increased five-times," she announced.
“Tk750 crore has been allocated for this purpose,” added the prime minister.
As of Monday, Bangladesh has confirmed 803 coronavirus cases with the death toll rising to 39 after five new fatalities were reported.
The fast-spreading Covid-19 has killed 115,000 people in more than 200 countries and territories so far.
