Currently, the health department has no separate budget allocation to combat the recent surge of coronavirus in the country. This is in addition to an acute shortage of vaccines and testing kits nationwide.
Investigations reveal that the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has sought additional funds from the government to tackle the new Covid-19 (sub-variant) and has initiated steps to import vaccines and testing kits from abroad.
On Sunday alone, five people died from Covid-19 in 24 hours—the highest single-day death toll in recent years.
Additional Director (Planning) of DGHS Sheikh Sayidul Haque told Times of Bangladesh, “There is no alternative to ensuring sufficient vaccines and testing kits at health centers to combat Covid-19. Therefore, directives have been issued to assess the demand for testing kits at the district level. Simultaneously, steps will be taken to import vaccines.”
He added that, while a limited number of kits have been procured locally, there is still a shortage in the domestic market, making imports necessary.
When asked about separate budget allocations for Covid-19, Haque said, “The Finance Ministry has already been informed. They assured us that, even without a separate allocation, funds will be released from the health and development sectors. The disbursement will begin on July 1 in the current 2025-2026 fiscal year, and we expect adequate funds based on demand.”
He further stated, “Importing vaccines and kits will require multiple high-level meetings and proper preparations.”
The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) reported that the DGHS currently has 3.1 million Pfizer vaccine doses left from previous COVID waves—far below the required amount for the population. Over the past two months, 1,716,900 Pfizer doses were distributed nationwide, with their expiry date set for August 6.
According to DGHS, since March 18, 2020, a total of 29,515 people have died from Covid-19, including 16 deaths since January this year. Additionally, 2,051,978 cases have been detected since March 8, 2020, with 433 new cases recorded since January.
As neighbouring India witnesses a concerning rise in Covid-19 (sub-variant) cases, the DGHS has issued a public notice urging mask use in crowded places as a precaution. Covid-19 screening has also been implemented at Hazrat Shahjalal and Shah Amanat International Airports for incoming travelers, along with enhanced vigilance at land ports like Benapole.
The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) confirmed that genome sequencing of recent Covid-positive samples detected the presence of Omicron sub-variants XFG and XFC in Bangladesh.
Director of IEDCR Dr Tahmina Shirin told Times of Bangladesh, “The detected virus is still Covid-19, but it’s an Omicron sub-variant—not an entirely new strain.”
She added, “While infections are rising, precautionary measures are necessary. However, there is no need for panic.”