Fighting the pandemic

The Himalayan Times

6 May 2021

Fighting the pandemic

It was wonderful to learn that the Oli-led government is determined to fight against the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic that has gripped the nation and has been taking human lives by using all its available resources “Oli plans to combat COVID on war footing” (THT, 4 May, Page 1). It has been pleasant news to know that the Oli government has finally awoken from its deep slumber of almost one year when the first wave of COVID-19 had badly hit the nation. The government was heavily criticised by all walks of life for its poor management in dealing with the pandemic.

Addressing the nation two days ago, PM Oli said the new building of Bir Hospital, Tri Chandra Military Hospital, medical colleges of Kathmandu and big government, and private hospitals would be operated as COVID-19 hospitals. All the medical colleges and big hospitals located at the provincial level would be converted into COVID-19 hospitals. Provisions will be made for using community hospitals, stadiums, auditoriums, party palaces, hotels, factories, and warehouses as quarantine facilities, isolation and holding centres. The Nepali Army has been given the responsibility of setting up 1,000-bed temporary COVID-19 hospitals in all the provinces and in Kathmandu. It is yet to be seen whether these promises would fully materialise.

It seems that the government has learnt lessons from last year’s lethargic management in dealing with the pandemic. It would also have been a welcome step if the government had brought forward some concrete plans and programme for addressing the livelihood of the poor and daily wage earners during the restrictions, taking examples of other countries. Let us hope the government this time will be sincere and responsible in fighting with the pandemic and saving the lives of the people.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj

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