NMSP invites donors to support fight against COVID-19

April 10, 2020

HURFOM: So far official reports indicate there are 27 COVID-19 patients across Myanmar. Union, State and Division governments are all making efforts to prevent, control and treat those seriously infected.

The New Mon State Party (NMSP) efforts are hampered by inadequate health equipment. Officials from the Mawlamyine District NMSP are inviting donors to support the purchase of needed health equipment.

The NMSP has established 40 quarantine centers which have accepted 300 returnees. Some returnees were allowed to go back to their home after isolating for 14 days in the centers. This measure is intended to help stop the spread of the virus, as asymptomatic individuals (no symptoms) can still spread the infection to others.

“We need health equipment to prevent the infection from spreading. When we find an infected patient, our health workers assisting the patient don’t have PPE – Personal Protective Equipment or other needed supplies. Some organizations came and made donations but it isn’t enough. We need donors who can support us in obtaining protective equipment,” said an official with the Mawlamyine District NMSP.

Currently, the NMSP is providing health services to returnees with 5 infrared thermometers donated by community based organizations (CBO).

There are not enough surgical masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, infrared thermometers, and PPE so there are delays in medical checks of returnees. Many of these essential supplies are difficult to buy currently.

There has been no direct support from the government to the NMSP but the party has been cooperating with local government public health departments to provide health services to the people.

“The government only supports health materials to their public health departments. And the medics are sharing the materials with us. They also don’t have enough support. Our health and government public health departments are cooperating, which is helping people,” said the official.

Some CBOs made a direct donation without informing the NMSP because they did not have contact information of the Party.

The NMSP wants donors to inform them if they want to help people in their controlled area, according to one official.

“If they inform us, we’ll provide security to them. We’re responsible for that. We have to protect them. If something is wrong, it’s not good for everyone,” said the official.

The NMSP formed a central committee in response to COVID-19 and has been delivering instructions to particular departments. Health services such as measuring body temperatures, doing medical checks, providing infection control education about COVID-19 is underway. The NMSP is also urging returnees to remain in a strict 14-day quarantine to help stop the spread of the virus.

The NMSP has also agreed with the government that infected patients in their controlled area can have treatment in the government health departments.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News