Following the first COVID-19 positive case, a huge wave of solidarity and a sense of community is sweeping in the country. People are coming forward to support the government in their own capacities.
To this, the Health Minister during a press conference yesterday said, while the ministry is not soliciting any kind of donations as such, it is wonderful to see the nation coming together to address the COVID-19 situation.
In the wake of the country’s first COVID-19 positive case, business entities alike provided face masks, spirit, barrels and sanitizers to show their support. And the World Health Organization earlier this week donated Nu 12.5 M to support activities towards COVID-19 preparedness and response. Likewise, Bhutan Raven Motorcycle Club provided Nu 1 M to the ministry. Similarly, Olathang Hotel Management in Paro offered the hotel to be used as a quarantine facility.
“I think it is very nice and wonderful to see the nation coming together to really address the coronavirus issue. So I think that way this is the positivity that we see. Of course, we are fighting coronavirus but at the same time, it is giving us an opportunity as a nation to reflect on our core values to reflect that we are all one under the leadership of our benevolent monarchs. We are one under one King, one government and fighting together collectively,” said Dechen Wangmo, the Health Minister.
Individuals and private parties are continuing to provide support through cash and kind to the Health Ministry. However, the Health Minister said, the Ministry does not have a specific need at this point. She added that what they need are medical supplies which people cannot procure directly.
“A few are calling us and saying if they can make donations, so it’s completely up to the public. The need as such I think for us, the need of the hours are health commodities which we are already procuring through support from WHO, through support from our own government and we should have enough stock in hand for now,” Lyonpo added.
And the Members of Parliament committing to donate their one month’s salary to help with coronavirus response efforts makes the spirit of solidarity even stronger.
Sonam Pem
