KATHMANDU, March 27: The "7th episode of Barbara Adams Talk Series" was held on Friday focusing on the issues of COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in crises in health, economy and almost every aspect of society in over 170 countries across the globe, resulting in thousands deaths to date.
The online conference entitled “COVID19: Addressing Risk Preparedness In Public Health and The Economy” took place in the wake of the WHO warning that the South Asian countries including Nepal face great threats of the pandemic in the near future with grave consequences in its public health and economy.
Renowned ophthalmologist and chairperson of Barbara Foundation Sanduk Ruit; former Vice chairperson of the National Planning Commission and executive chairperson of IIDS Swarnim Wagle; President of Hotel Association Nepal Shreejana Rana; Physician of Infectious Disease at Hams Hospital Anup Subedi; and Miss Nepal World 2010 and social mobilizer Sadichha Shrestha delivered remarks during the event.
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On the occasion, the panelists deliberated on important aspects of this crisis with special emphasis on creating awareness on and providing crucial inputs/suggestions to the general public, the governmental bodies and businesses on the ways to tackle and minimize the risks of the pandemic on public health and economy.
Addressing the event, Dr. Ruit said that the pandemic has been seen as one of fallouts of globalization. He urged one and all to maintain unity, solidarity, and cooperation in the battle of COVID-19. He also suggested the people to follow the instruction of government throughout the nationwide lockdown.
Former NPC vice chairperson Wagle suggested the government to establish the emergency fund of Rs 100 Billion immediately to tackle the challenge of COVID-19 in production, distribution and service sector.
Likewise, HAN president Rana drew the attention of government to address the problem of hotel entrepreneurs as tourism has hit hard due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Former Miss Nepal Shrestha urged youths and all people to strictly follow the instruction lockdown orders issued by the government.
The discussion explored the questions such as: How is COVID-19 affecting Nepal? How it could potentially affect the healthcare system? How is the government preparation to face the potential situation? And how its response should be on health and economy? What should be the potential role of the general public to avert the crises and minimize risks? How should the businesses respond? How should the government respond to threats on economy?
The foundation organizes debates on matters of public concern.