KATHMANDU, April 7: Amid concerns over Prime Minister K P Oli's silence over the crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, he is scheduled to address the nation at 11 am on Tuesday.
Surya Thapa, his press advisor, said that PM Oli is scheduled to address at 11 am through state-owned Nepal Television.
Prime Minister Deuba addressing to nation today
Prime Minister Oli also informed about his plan to address the nation at the cabinet meeting on Monday. According to sources, the prime minister is expected to announce relief packages for the people most affected by the lockdown and inform about the government's efforts at combating the pandemic.
Oli is also expected to make his stance public about the irregularities in the recent procurement of essential medical equipment from China. The government is facing widespread public criticism after it was revealed that the prices paid for the COVID-19 medical kits were up to three times higher than the market price and a controversial firm had won the procurement contract.
According to one of his aides, Oli has also planned to appeal to the Nepali citizens stranded on the Indian side of the Nepal-India border due to the COVID-19 lockdown to wait until the pandemic comes under control.
The government has also decided to extend a vote of thanks to all helping hands contributing to the government's COVID-19 respond fund and others providing essential medical kits at the time of health emergency in the country.
