Party leaders suggest sample test for every family

Published On: April 15, 2020 07:41 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

Photo: Bijaya Rai/Republica

KATHMANDU, April 15: Leaders of political parties represented in parliament have suggested to the government to take samples from each and every family for COVID-19 tests in order to contain the virus spread.

Furnishing their suggestions at a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of the lower house of parliament convened by Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota on Tuesday, the party leaders urged the government to put together a strategic plan during the ongoing lockdown.

Representatives from all political parties present in parliament will be members of a committee to be formed for the purpose and to be led by the speaker.

According to the spokesperson at the parliament secretariat, Rojnath Pandey, the meeting participants put forth various suggestions, including collecting samples from each and every family for COVID-19 testing and diverting the MPs development funds into the COVID-19 response fund, among other measures.

The participants also suggested to the government to include health and security experts in the high-level coordination committee for combating COVID-19, work out a period-wise strategic plan during the lockdown and make the plan public, channelize the relief distribution through a one-door system and increase the availability of medical kits in the country and medicine storages.

"Speaker Sapkota has assured participating lawmakers he will convey their suggestions to the government through the high-level coordination committee," said Pandey about the meeting.

The party leaders have also insisted on putting in place a mechanism for effective coordination between federal, provincial and local governments in the struggle against the virus. They also stressed the need of virtual meetings of parliament using a video-conferencing system and promoting the practice of e-parliament in times of lockdown.

Speaker Sapkota called on the speakers and deputy speakers of all seven provinces for consultations on the role of parliament in this time of crisis.

Sapkota, after the meeting, assured the leaders to arrange necessary equipment for an e-parliament very soon and for holding the meetings of various parliamentary committees through appropriate methods.