COVID-19 frontline fighters need insurance

Many world leaders see the coronavirus situation like a World War. I strongly suggest that Bangladesh immediately declare special insurance coverage for the coronavirus pandemic frontline and associated fighters who are risking their lives in this service.

Physicians are expected to treat coronavirus patients, but they are naturally hesitant when they do not have the required protection. Their lives are at risk. But we all need to fight against this deadly virus, maybe even taking the examples of the sacrificing attitude of our past heroes. As a soldier, while fighting home and abroad against live bullets, despite not having helmets, bullet protection jackets, food or other resources, we get courage from our faith in the Almighty. We know we are born to die and if we die, our families would get all assured benefits. Then, of course, there was love for the motherland, professionalism and more.

All health workers, law enforcing personnel, government officials, the media, NGOs, cleaning professionals, volunteers or any type of worker performing jobs under the life-threatening coronavirus pandemic situation, should be eligible for special insurance benefits if they die due to coronavirus. Designated or authorised family members would receive the insurance benefits.

Funds for such insurance may be provided jointly by the government, banks and big business houses out of their CSR, public donations, foreign assistance, one or a few days salary of all government and private employees, from the development budget of less priority projects by delaying or cancelling those or from any other appropriate sources.

The Bangladesh government should immediately form a high level committee to prepare a simple but effective policy and open a bank account for this purpose. Any unfinished or surplus amount of this fund may be utilised for the improvement of our health sector subsequently. The policy should also be well circulated by through the media as well as social media to motivate and raise the morale of our coronavirus pandemic frontline fighters.

* The writer is a retired lieutenant colonel of the Bangladesh Army and a consultant of China Bangladesh relations