DHAKA, Apr 1, 2020 (BSS) – Mobile phone operator, Grameenphone has confirmed to source and handover 50,000 units of medical-grade professional PPE (personal protective equipment) and 10,000 PCR test kits to face the outbreak of deadly COVID-19.
The imported full PPE units (protective cover, n95 mask, gloves and goggles) and testing kits will be provided to selected hospitals designated for corona treatment by Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), said a GP press release here today.
It said Grameenphone has taken this initiative to protect the healthcare professionals who are in frontline and on ICU duty battling the outbreak situation.
Posts and Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar welcomed Grameenphone’s proactive effort to initiate the support during this difficult time. “I believe other companies will also come forward and stand beside the government to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak to the best of their abilities.”
Grameenphone CEO Yasir Azman said, “This is our utmost responsibility to contribute as individuals and corporations during this unprecedented challenging time globally.”
Mentioning that no nation was ever ready to tackle this situation, he said “I encourage all to come forward collectively in fighting back COVID-19 in this difficult time.”
“We are grateful to government as they are encouraging and guiding us in taking the right step,” he added.
DGHS Director General Professor Abul Kalam Azad said, “Grameenphone approached us and showed proactive interest to support us in this situation.”
“After consulting with us, they took the initiative to source and contribute medical-grade full PPE sets to protect healthcare professionals who need to deal with corona infected patients. It is good that they have also arranged a good number of PCR test kits,” he said.