Staff Reporter :
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday announced an allocation of Tk 750 crore for insurance of doctors, nurses, health workers, field officers, members of law enforcement agencies, armed forces, BGB and other government employees for their frontline roles in the fight against coronavirus.
She said, “If any of the above mentioned is affected while on duty, they will get health insurance worth Tk 5 lakh to Tk 10 lakh as per their designation, and the rate will increase by five times in case of death, the Premier said, adding that Tk 750 crore has been allocated for their health and life insurance.”
PM made the announcement while addressing the nation in the evening on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bengali New Year, to be observed on Tuesday.
State-owned Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television simultaneously broadcast the Prime Minister’s address. Private television channels and radio stations also aired the speech.
“Doctors, nurses and other health workers continue to provide treatment to Covid-19 patients from the frontline, ignoring the constraint of resources and the risk of death. Your profession is of a great challenge. Don’t lose the morale during this crisis. The people of the country are beside you,” she said
Alongside the allocation for health and life insurance, Sheikh Hasina also assured to give special allowance to government health workers dealing with coronavirus patients directly.
“I have already ordered to prepare a list of government health workers who are working directly with coronavirus patients. They will be given a special allowance. For this, Tk 100 crore has been allocated,” she said.
She also thanked doctors, nurses, health workers, government officials and employees, and journalists for their effort during this difficult time.
The Prime Minister urged the countrymen to celebrate the Bangla New Year with family members at home.
“We will celebrate this New Year at home,” the Premier said.
“Don’t go out without a pressing need. Don’t form crowd. Maintain hygiene. Protect yourself and family members from coronavirus infection,” she urged all.
