FBCCI forms committee for resolving dengue kits crisis
"Testing Kits are selling at high prices owing to shortage of kits in markets"
Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) formed a committee, headed by its senior vice president Muntakim Ashraf, with a view to resolve dengue test kits crisis.
In the meantime, large number of dengue patients are suffering as a result of late detection of the disease due to the prevailing shortage of dengue test kits across the country.
“We will call an emergency meeting of our members, those who are involved with the import of test kits, so as to make sure that the kits are supplied at affordable prices” said Sheikh Fazle Fahim, FBCCI president.
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FBCCI president made the discloser at a discussion meeting on “countrywide dengue’s outbreak and its prevention” at the federation’s conference center in the capital, while stressing on the need for awareness regarding various aspects of dengue without get panicked at the massive spread of the disease across the country. The FBCCI has launched a ‘dengue awareness program’ as part of its CSR activities, FBCCI President added.
At the discussion meeting, FBCCI decided to establish a ‘Blood donation camp’ to meet the necessary supply of Blood needed for the dengue patients.
Mubin Khan, president of Bangladesh Private Medical College Association (PPMCA), said that the association may open a “dengue corner” for the poor patients so as to provide them with free medical services.
Dr Jahangir Alam, vice president of Bangladesh Private Clinic Association, said that, if timely and proper treatment is provided, over 95 percent dengue patients can be cured. He said that once the dengue was only in Dhaka city, but now the disease spreads across country owing to negligence of concerned authorities.
“Testing Kits are selling at high prices owing to shortage of kits in markets. 120 Tk testing kits are now selling at Tk450” said Dr Jahangir Alam, also Chairman of Jahangirnagar Hospital Ltd.
Dr. Refayet Ullah Sharif, Managing Director at the City Medical College and Hospital, said that dengue has now turned into an epidemic, while urging to keep clean every home and surrounding areas.
FBCCI Senior Vice President MD Muntakim Ashraf and Vice President Nizamuddin Rajesh and the Directors took part in the discussion.
Later in the afternoon, according to the FBCCI officials, FBCCI president inaugurated the ‘blood donation camp’ at the federation office with the support of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS).
“The blood will be collected to meet the required supply of blood for the dengue patients,” FBCCI president said.
According to the directorate general of health services (DGHS), a total of 24,804 people have been hospitalised with dengue since January 1 of this year.
