Each set of PPE consists of protective coverall, KN 95 mask, latex gloves, and goggles, the company said in a statement.

The hospitals are – Kuwait-Bangladesh Friendship Government Hospital, Kurmitola General Hospital, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka Mohanagar General Hospital, Mugda Medical College Hospital, Narayanganj 300-bed Hospital, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Mymensingh Medical College, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College, Sheikh Russel Gastro Liver Institute and Hospital, and Infectious Diseases Hospital. 

“Grameenphone is thankful to all frontline heroes who have been fighting coronavirus. This is not an easy task by any means, and our health professionals are diligently working towards this noble cause. We believe that we will overcome as united force and support one another in every possible way. I am also thankful to DGHS, along with the people whose passion, commitment, and courage made this possible,” said Yasir Azman, CEO of Grameenphone,

Bangladesh’s confirmed coronavirus cases stood at 40,321 on Thursday with the detection of record 2,029 new patients in the last 24 hours. Fifteen more people died from the virus during this period, taking the death tally to 559.

Also read: Coronavirus cases in Bangladesh exceed 40,000, 15 more die in 24 hrs

Professor Dr AK Azad, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), thanked the mobile operator for well-timed and necessary initiative.

“During this ongoing pandemic, the safety of health professionals is of utmost importance, and this is a life-saving contribution from Grameenphone. I hope other organisations will be inspired and step forward with such initiatives,” he said.

Hundreds of doctors have been infected in Bangladesh. At the beginning of this month, Bangladesh Doctors Foundation said more than 600 physicians at both government and private hospitals got infected with coronavirus while treating patients.

Grameenphone has also extended support to 25,000 doctors selected by DGHS to treat COVID-19 patients by providing them with 30GB of data every month for the next six months at a token price of Tk 1 per month.

Also read: GP experiences revenue hike

GP, along with BRAC, has started the initiative ‘Dakche Amar Desh’ to donate cash for emergency assistance to 100,000 most vulnerable families across Bangladesh and is also encouraging other individuals and organisations to join the cause.