UNHCR provides PPEs for health professionals in Cox’s Bazar

UNHCR has provided a significant amount of personal protective equipment (PPEs) and other urgently needed medical supplies for medical staff in Cox's Bazar to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The medical equipment includes gowns, masks, goggles, gloves, hand sanitizer and disinfectant materials which have been delivered at the civil surgeon's office and the Sadar Hospital in the district, said a press release on Sunday.

Despite global shortage of PPEs due to the unprecedented scale of the Covid-19 virus, massive efforts are underway to provide the necessary protective gear for the frontline health workers in the district.

"We are grateful for this timely and critical support from UNHCR when we need it most," said Dr Md Mohiuddin, medical superintendent at Sadar Hospital in Cox's Bazar.

UNHCR is also supporting the local authorities to increase intensive care capacity at the Sadar Hospital with 10 ICU beds and another 8 high dependency beds, the press release read.

The Bangladesh government has taken various steps to curb the spread of the virus and is engaged in intensive efforts to source and ensure the delivery of PPEs, as well as other vital medical supplies.

In Cox's Bazar, UNHCR is working in close collaboration with the national authorities to expedite medical facilities to respond to those who may be affected by the virus, the press release said.