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Patuakhali, September 6, 2020:Â Today, icddr,b and Concern Worldwide have launched a mobile COVID-19 sample collection van in Patuakhali district for ramping up the capacity of proper collection of samples.The initiative was taken under the “Essential Healthcare for Disadvantaged in Bangladesh (EHD)” programme of the UKAid.
Initially, the mobile van will provide sample collection and transportation services to the residents of Kolapara and Galachipa Upazila through respective Upazila Health Complexes. The van will also be used to transport collected samples to Patuakhali and then further to Barisal (three days a week) where the samples will be tested for COVID-19. The service is aimed to facilitate easy access to COVID-19 testing as well as reducing the waiting time for the report.
The mobile sample collection van was officially inaugurated by Patuakhali’s Deputy Commissioner Md. Motiul Islam Chowdhury as Chief Guest and ADC General and Deputy Secretary Md. Hemayet Uddin as Special guest.The Civil Surgeon of Patuakhali Dr. Mohammad Jahangir Alam Chaired the inauguration ceremony while Mr. Anisuddin Ahmed, Assistant Scientist, icddr,b and other officials attended the programme.
On the occasion Md. Motiul Islam Chowdhury said, “ There are only a few dedicated organisations in Bangladesh as icddr,b who are working continuously for the marginaliged community. We warmly welcome and appreciate icddr,b’s effort to help them in this COVID-19 situation.”
“I believe this mobile sample collection and transportation van initiative will help to accelerate our battle against COVID-19 response.” – he added. He also thanked the implementing organisationsfor this initiative that include icddr,b, and Concern Worldwide, along with the UKAid.
In his remark, Dr. Mohammad Jahangir Alam said, “It is very important to increase the number of COVID-19 tests. The new initiative will indeed help to fight against the disease.”
The EHD program is being implemented by Concern Worldwide, along with eight other partners, under the supervision and guidance of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Bangladesh.
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