They also suggested implementing long-term plans to revamp the existing health care system of the country.

They were speaking at an online talk show titled "Health Management in Tackling Coronavirus" jointly arranged by The Ark Foundation and the Centre for Law and Policy Affairs (CLPA), said a press release.

Former DGHS Director General Dr Shah Monir Hossain said combating coronavirus would have been much easier now if effective steps were taken in time.

“The death row of health workers is constantly getting longer. If we continue to lose health workers at this rate, the medical system of the country will collapse,” he said.

He urged to take necessary steps to ensure the protection of health workers. “To build a timely and effective health system, we need to adopt a 30-year long-term plan that will include a medium-term five-year plan.”

Former World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Advisor Muzaherul Huq emphasised decentralising country’s health care system.

“Health services at the local level need to be improved further. The district hospitals should have uninterrupted oxygen supply, ventilation, and ICU facilities,” he said.

He suggested setting up an effective referral system to avail specialised treatment from patients who come to cities from villages.

Eminent cancer specialist Prof Dr Golam Mohiuddin Faruque said that physicians of all sectors should get risk allowance. “At the same time, a strong medicine system must be built in the country.”

Policy analyst Advocate Syed Mahbubul Alam and Ark Foundation Executive Director Dr Rumana Haque also spoke at the programme.