More than 300 community clinics in thirteen upazilas of Kishoreganj have continued to provide services defying the growing fear over the spread of coronavirus in the country.
The number of people receiving services at the community clinics has dropped drastically due to the prevalence of the virus with nearly 35 people getting services daily.
Besides, community healthcare providers (CHCPs) have been provided with necessary equipment including masks, gloves, hand sanitizers and soaps to avoid contraction of the coronavirus.
Currently, community clinics are being operated from 8am to 12am following the health ministry’s directives, said Jasim Uddin, president of Maisakandi Community Clinic in Maizkhapun union.
A variety of healthcare services including childcare, prenatal care, diabetes check-up, and blood tests are offered at these clinics, he added Ninety-year-old Zulekha came to Maisakandi Community Clinic since she has been suffering from breathing problems and gastritis pains for several days.
“I'm afraid of what I have (about the symptoms of coronavirus) from other people. Even coronavirus patient has been detected on in Kishoreganj found. As I have been suffering from breathing troubles and gastritis for a few days, I came to see them,” she said Another woman, Panna said that access to healthcare becomes easy due to a community clinic in her village.
President of Kishoreganj branch of Bangladesh Community Healthcare Provider Association Abdul Malek Bhuiya said they are providing healthcare amid the crisis. Besides, a red chair has been set up at each clinic in Sadar upazila to the freedom fighters on the occasion of Mujib Year.
Kishoreganj Sadar Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Tazreen Taiba appreciated the CHCPs saying health department staff and community clinic’s CHCPs are carrying out their duties sincerely.
She said, the CHCPs provides all services at community clinic including diabetes test, blood group examination, ANC for pregnant mothers, PNC, high blood pressure diagnosis. In addition, health campaigns are underway to raise awareness on coronavirus among the people, Dr Tazreen added.