Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
Emphasising vaccination for Covid-19 in rural areas, Health and Family Planning Minister Zahid Maleque Monday said, "In hospitals 70 per cent of Covid patients are elderly people from villages while the fatality rate among them is 90 per cent."
Following the Prime Minister's directive, vaccination campaigns will now be boosted in ward, union and upazila level, said the minister.
Maleque said these while briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting on Monday.
He said initiative has been taken to vaccinate elderly people from the ward level as they are more reluctant about receiving it.
The minister also emphasised ensuring more Covid-19 tests from the rural areas.
He said, "90 per cent of the hospital beds are occupied with patients and our health workers are tired now."
The government will appoint 4,000 more doctors and nurses soon in the health sector, he said.
He urged the authorities responsible to be stricter, warning of the terrible consequences waiting for the country if lockdown is not maintained properly.
"It's unfortunate how people are moving outside, travelling only on the fourth day of lockdown, breaking the rules and risking lives," said Maleque.
He said the lockdown has to be made successful as there is no other alternative to contain the Covid-19 spread.