Collective efforts to control COVID-19: Minister Dhakal

Kathmandu. Minister for Health and Population Bhanubhakta Dhakal held a virtual meeting with health experts including the high level officials of his ministry on control and prevention of COVID-19. He has called for collective efforts to control the alarming threat of coronavirus.

All sides efforts is imperative to fight the deadly virus, he said, adding that it was time to encourage doctors, nurse, health workers and security persons who are working in the forefront to control the spread of COVID-19.
In the discussion, Dr Mahesh Maskey suggested the ministry to manage information well.

The coronavirus is not out of control, he said, adding that though the infection has increased the rate of infection is decreasing, he added.
Similarly, Professor Dr Jiban Sherchan however reminded that there were still some people who could not afford safety materials like mask, so free distribution of such materials is must.

Professor Dr Bhagwan Karki, who is also the chairperson of Nepal Medical Council, said time has come to formulate health safety protocol and make people’s life easier in view of the Dashain festival. He also stressed the need of plasma bank for plasma therapy.

Nepal Medical Association’s Chairperson Lochan Karki reiterated the need of ensuring safety to the health workers. Dr Anup Bastola from Teku Hospital suggested government to prefer oxygen therapy to ventilator support because oxygen therapy is more effective.