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Editorial

Ensure PPE for those who need it

Proper distribution must be maintained


Bangladeshpost
Published : 03 May 2020 09:01 PM | Updated : 07 Sep 2020 07:17 AM

In many cases, coronavirus infections could not have been prevented in our country due to lack of proper hygiene while the healing of corona-infected patients has been delayed thanks to mismanagement in the medical system.

Unfortunately, at the beginning, many professionals other than doctors took PPE out of curiosity. While criticism started, the importance of providing PPE to the doctors was emphasised. 

A statement from the health department said about 1.3 million PPE have been distributed across the country. Until then, the number of PPE collected by the health department was more than 1.5 million. 

According to an investigation, a total of just over 8 lakh PPE have been supplied to various hospitals, medical colleges, specialised hospitals, sample testing centres and coronavirus medical centres across the country.


Those responsible must keep in mind that 

it is difficult to cope with such a catastrophe 

if  medical protection is not ensured


But there is a big discrepancy between the existing reality and the information of the health department. Now, the health department should publish a list of how many PPE have been distributed to how many organisations. 

Only then can it be understood where the deficiency of supply and receipt lies. Even if we assume that the information of the health department is correct, at present the doctors and those concerned in the health sector are supposed to get a few sets of PPE each. 

On the contrary, there are allegations that many people working in the health sector have not got PPE. As we can see, the Bangladesh Medical Association, the apex body of doctors, has challenged the data on PPE of the health department and the Central Medical Stores Depot. 

So the question is, where have so many PPE been distributed to? At the same time, there are questions about the quality of PPE supplied. PPE is not a luxury item, it is a protective material. 

Just as it is important to ensure its proper quality, it is equally important to prevent its arbitrary use. If those for whom this material is vital are deprived of it and the health department presents the supply figure on paper, it is unacceptable to say the least. Those responsible must keep in mind that it is difficult to cope with such a catastrophe if medical protection is not ensured.