The Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA) has expressed its concern over the rising number of doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers being tested coronavirus positive. As of Monday, it said, 660 healthcare professionals were affected which is 11 percent of the total coronavirus cases in Bangladesh. One doctor died of the virus.
The total number of cases was 5,913 with 152 deaths on Monday. BMA which is the national body of doctors said of the total healthcare professionals, 295 were doctors, 116 were nurses and 249 were other related hospital staff. “This can break down the overall health sector,” BMA said, asking the government to ensure proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare providers.
They particularly recommended standard PPE including N95 or equivalent masks to all doctors, nurses and other staff in COVID-19 hospitals. The BMA also asked for introduction of triage at the entry of all non-COVID hospitals and proper PPE for the healthcare providers of those facilities.
They also demanded accommodation, food and transport facilities for all doctors, nurses and support staff of all government and private hospitals.
