Public health workers object to announcement of election at pandemic time

KATHMANDU: Public health workers with long experience in health sector have objected the government’s announcement of snap polls during pandemic time.

Issuing a press release on Sunday, senior public health workers including Dr. Sharad Onta, Dr. Mahesh Maskey, Dr. Badri Raj Pandey, Dr. Aruna Upreti, Dr. Sameer Mani Dixit, Dr. Sujan Babu Marhattha, Dr. Bijwala Shrestha have urged the government to put the health of the people in priority.

“The announcement of mid-term elections at a time when there is a shortage of beds and oxygen in hospital and the risk of coronavirus pandemic spread is all around is an example of the government’s utter irresponsibility towards the lives of citizens,” the health workers said.

They remarked that it is paradoxical to acknowledge the health crisis caused by the pandemic and to declare elections on the other side.

Stating that a large part of the budget of the country will be spent in the declared election, the doctors urged the government to prioritize COVID-19 prevention and control.

They have warned that if such activities are continued, the government’s irresponsibility will never be forgiven.