The government has taken an initiative to test more than 30,000 samples a day to prevent coronavirus infection.
Besides, it has adopted a policy decision to set up PCR test labs in all districts as well as to introduce an antigen test system. The plan would be finalized within a week based on expert opinion on alternative methods of testing, a DGHS official said.
Although three months have passed since the onset of the coronavirus infection, the target of 20,000 samples a day has not been reached in the country.
The government has so far not taken any other measures or alternatives other than PCR testing. The government has even opposed the rapid kit test. Now the testing has been arranged through PCR machines in the laboratories in the big cities.
Experts say there is no other way to understand the actual situation without sample testing. And action can be taken accordingly. Therefore, the facility of sample testing should reach the doorsteps of the people. Otherwise, the danger will increase. The government has to make a quick decision in this regard.
An official of the DGHS said, “efforts are being made to set up PCR testing labs in every district. At the same time, initiatives have been taken to start antigen testing as an alternative to the PCR method. Antigens and antibodies are being actively considered in all types of testing. Work is underway to make a plan for this. We believe the plan will be ready in a week. "
Abul Kalam Azad, Director General of the DGHS, said the coronavirus infection would continue for another two to three years in the world and in Bangladesh, judging by the global situation and experience. However, the level of infection may not be the same.
However, looking at the global situation, public health experts are predicting that the coronavirus infection rate may decrease after a while.
Abul Kalam Azad said more health workers and medical technologists will be recruited under the long-term Covid-19 treatment plan. The test facilities will be increased by government-private initiative, which will be extended at the district level. New and simple Covid-19 test methods will be introduced.
Besides, intensive care unit ( ICU) facilities will be provided in district hospitals and central oxygen lines will be installed in all government hospitals.
At present, the total number of coronavirus infected in Bangladesh stands at 1 lakh 2 thousand 292. The total number of deaths has risen to 1343 people. A total of 40,164 people have recovered.
There are now more than 83 lakh Covid-19 patients in the world. More than 4 lakh 36 thousand people have died so far.
Member of the National Technical Advisory Committee and former Vice-Chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical
University Virologist Prof. Dr. Nazrul Islam is advising the health department about the sample test.
“Around one month ago, the committee recommended testing at least 20,000 samples a day. I made several recommendations for this purpose. But, as far I know any recommendation has not been implemented. Although the coronavirus has spread rapidly, the health department has been slow. It is not possible to thwart the virus by running behind,” he said.
He also said most of the suggestions made by the Technical Advisory Committee from the beginning have not been implemented. The health division does not seem to have started any process in that regard. Besides, the lack of coordination in the work of the Ministry of Health and the Department is also noticeable.