Retired medics be hired for one year to tackle COVID-19 pandemic: PM Oli

- Retired medics be hired for one year to tackle COVID-19 pandemic: PM Oli

- Frontline health workers to receive additional 50 percent of their basic salary as risk allowance

- Prime Minister Oli hints at further tightening the ongoing prohibitory orders in more than 40 districts across the country

KATHMANDU, May 3: In bid to address the shortage of frontline health workers to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has announced to hire retired doctors and nurses for one year on contract basis.

Addressing the nation on Monday afternoon through television, Prime Minister K P Oli said that the government has asked all retired medical professionals to serve at least one year to help the government to fight against the pandemic. He also announced to provide 50 percent of their basic salary to all frontline health workers directly involved in the treatment of COVID-19 patients to boost their morale for work.

Oli added that private hospitals and medical colleges would be converted into covid hospitals to provide timely treatment to the patients. “Similarly, public spaces such as stadiums, playgrounds, hotels, schools will also be used to set up well-equipped quarantine facilities,” he said.

In his address, Prime Minister Oli claimed that the government had left no stones unturned to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. While explaining the various efforts made by the government to tackle the pandemic, Prime Minister Oli claimed that the government’s measures had yielded positive results to contain further spread of COVID-19 and reduce the number of deaths linked to the COVID-19.

While stating that the government is working to ensure effective interministerial coordination to tackle the pandemic, Prime Minister Oli said that the Ministry of Health will lead treatment of corona patients, while the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology will take the charge of raising awareness among people to keep themselves safe from possible infection of COVID-19. Similarly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been entrusted with the responsibility to initiate diplomatic negotiations to import COVID-19 vaccines.

Prime Minister Oli announced a ban on export of live saving oxygen cylinders during the pandemic. He said that those found illegally exporting oxygen cylinders will be punished as per the existing laws of the country.

During his address, Oli also hinted at tightening the ongoing prohibitory orders to stem the transmission chain of coronavirus disease. Local administrations have already enforced prohibitory orders in more than 40 districts as of Monday afternoon to contain further spread of COVID-19.

Large part of Oli’s speech dwelt on highlighting the efforts taken by the government in the past. While stating that the government was doing its best to tackle the pandemic, the prime minister asked all public to support the government by adhering to the health protocols set by the MoHP.