KATHMANDU, April 17: The High-Level Coordination Committee for the Prevention and Control of COVID-19 has decided to increase the number of tests for coronavirus.
The 19th meeting of the Committee held in Singha Durbar on Wednesday took this decision in view of the risky situation of coronavirus infection and increase in its rate as well. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Ishwor Pokhrel. DPM Pokhrel is the Chair of the High-level Committee.
"The coronavirus infection is spreading and the meeting has decided to move ahead in an effective manner in the test, identification and treatment. A decision has been taken to mobilize teams of health workers and dedicated institutions for increasing the number of tests for coronavirus," Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Narayan Prasad Bidari, said, sharing about the decisions taken by the meeting.
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It also decided to facilitate the private sector in the import while bringing medical supplies and logistics and to give continuity to the procurement process through the Ministry of Health and the bodies under it.
"The work of bringing medicines and medical equipment through to Government-to-Government process will be continued and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health have already written to the related bodies in China to bring the medical supplies through this process," Secretary Bidari said.
According to him, talks regarding Nepal's needs and other requirements are being held by organizing video conferences in three stages while talks have also been held regarding the cost.
The meeting, likewise, decided to ease the transport of goods in a safe manner at customs transit points to ensure the smooth supply of essential goods. It also decided to make the security system stringent in a coordinated manner.
According to the Ministry of Health, coronavirus infection has been found in 16 people in the country so far. Rapid diagnostic test and swab tests have been carried out so far on more than 15 thousand people.
