KATHMANDU, March 17: Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba has urged the government to work on a war-footing to ensure adequate supply of skilled human resources and necessary equipment to tackle the possible threat of coronavirus outbreak in the country.
Deuba also demanded that the government develop adequate number of isolation wards, alternative quarantine facilities and Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in view of the potential threat of the deadly virus, which has killed over 5000 people worldwide.
The president of the main opposition party made the appeal in view of the growing spread of the coronavirus outbreak in different parts of the world even as those countries adopted a slew of measures to contain its spread.
Stating that there has not been any effective and reliable restriction in the border points to stop potential carriers of coronavirus, an appeal issued by Deuba on Monday urged the government to make effective arrangement to prevent people suspected of being infected with coronavirus from entering Nepal.
“I want to draw the attention of the government that it is the responsibility of the government to disseminate correct information to counter numerous rumors rife in the market,” he said.
While expressing concern over the growing black marketing of daily essentials, NC President Deuba pointed out to the need of active role of concerned government agencies to help protect the interests of the consumers.
“Keeping in view of the fact that its effects will be seen in public service sectors gradually, it is deemed necessary for the government to devise appropriate strategies well in advance,” Deuba said in the appeal.
Deuba said that tourism sector has already faced the heat of the problem, while several industries and other businesses are experiencing some effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
“I want to highlight the need to reduce bank interest rate and extend the loan payment period in order to keep the morale of private sector high,” he further said.
Deuba also urged the government to make necessary arrangements to keep the suspects in quarantine for free of cost if anyone living below extreme poverty line is infected by the coronavirus and needs to be kept in quarantine.
Among other things, he has also drawn the attention of the government to make necessary arrangements to keep students safe from the potential threat of coronavirus.