In fear of being discriminated and subsequently being victimized in the society, many people tested positive for COVID19, tend to conceal information about their infection. On condition of anonymity, a resident of Lalbagh area alleged that his landlord asked him to leave the apartment he had rented if he had tests positive for coronavirus. His test result on Friday showed that he was negative.
He said, “It seems weird to me how my landlord reacted in this crisis period after hearing about my health status. Later, I have shown him my test result (SMS) and called local police to handle this. Now the landlord offered his apology after realizing the concern.” Another person Nijhum Akter who had developed similar symptoms like corona infection earlier in April, told this correspondent that she was refused treatment at two different hospitals in the city while seeking urgent treatment.
Public health experts strongly advice reporting such discrimination to the local administration. If anyone is refused treatment, the department concerned should be immediately informed of the situation. The government on Thursday, after the deadliest overnight rise in the coronavirus alert, said the entire Bangladesh was at risk of the virus. This followed the mid-day bulletin that 09 patients died and 306 new cases were detected in the 24 hours (Saturday). Director General of the Directorate of Health Services Dr Abul Kalam Azad said, "In accordance with the Communicable Diseases (Prevention, Control and Eradication) Act 2018, we have already issued several directives in this regard.”
“I requested the law enforcers to play a supportive role in such cases when victims need help. As a result, if someone is being harassed by someone, he or she should inform the local administration.” Mentioning about preventing harassment the former President of Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA) Dr Rashid E Mahboob said that such a situation arises during the epidemic of every infectious disease. The victims suffer from a kind of adverse behavior. In this case, actions need to be taken to protect the victims. First, to create a positive and humane attitude towards the victims in the society - so as not to victimize the patients. Secondly, volunteers in the neighborhood should help them.
Director of the government’s disease monitoring agency, IEDCR, Prof Meerjady Sabrina Flora said that, “In our observation, many people are hiding their symptoms or health history. It is a risky for others. One must overcome such fears and be brave enough to disclose about their health conditions.”
