Prof Dr Md Sayedur Rahman, special assistant to the chief adviser for the Health Ministry, has said there is nothing alarming yet about the current Covid-19 situation, considering the pressure on healthcare and the global context, before assuring everyone that the government is fully prepared in terms of testing and treatment.
Sayedur was speaking to reporters on Monday after visiting the National Institute of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases and the National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital in Dhaka.
“Our diagnostic activities are ongoing. We are conducting Covid-19 sample tests through three different methods. Dedicated hospitals and special units in various hospitals have been prepared for treatment. Given the current pressure from patients and the global outlook, the Health Ministry's preparedness seems adequate,” he said.
He mentioned that two specialized hospitals in Dhaka and Chittagong have already been made ready to treat Covid-19 patients.
If the situation worsens, special units will be set up in other hospitals as well, he added.
Sayedur said: “Judging by the number of Covid-19 cases in Bangladesh and the testing rate, it is clear that symptoms are not surfacing significantly among the population. So far, there is no reason to panic.”
On the issue of Aedes mosquito spread, he noted that dengue infection rates are higher in Barisal and Dhaka.
“This is not to assign blame. However, in many cases, local government authorities have not responded with the level of engagement and responsibility expected of them. As a result, mosquito control efforts have not been effective.”
He added that the dengue treatment guidelines are also being updated and will be issued within the next couple of days.
